Overview
FirstEnergy Eastlake is a 32 MW diesel power plant in Eastlake, Ohio, operated by FirstEnergy Generation Corp. The facility uses oil as its primary fuel and is currently operational.
FirstEnergy Eastlake is a diesel power plant located in Eastlake, Ohio, United States, with a capacity of 32 MW. It is owned and operated by FirstEnergy Generation Corp and is currently operational. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, placing it in the small-scale category for power generation facilities. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. As a diesel-fired facility, it is subject to emissions standards for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. The relatively small capacity of 32 MW suggests it may serve as a peaking plant or provide backup power to the local grid. FirstEnergy Eastlake contributes to the regional power supply in northeastern Ohio, supporting grid reliability during periods of high demand. Its location near Lake Erie and the Cleveland metropolitan area places it within a densely populated region, where environmental monitoring and compliance with state and federal regulations are critical. Its small size and diesel fuel type indicate a potential for higher emissions per MWh compared to larger, more efficient natural gas combined-cycle plants.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as a primary fuel results in higher CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions per unit of electricity compared to natural gas or renewable sources. Its location in Eastlake, Ohio, near Lake Erie and the Cleveland metropolitan area, means emissions may impact local air quality and contribute to regional haze. The facility's small capacity (32 MW) suggests it operates intermittently, potentially as a peaking plant, which can lead to less efficient combustion and higher emission rates during startup and low-load operation. Compliance with EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act is essential to mitigate environmental impacts.
Frequently asked questions
FirstEnergy Eastlake is located in Eastlake, Ohio, United States, at coordinates 41.671100, -81.442500.
FirstEnergy Eastlake is a diesel power plant that uses oil as its primary fuel. It has a capacity of 32 MW and is currently operational.
FirstEnergy Eastlake is owned by FirstEnergy Generation Corp, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp, a major utility holding company in the United States.
Diesel power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). These regulations limit emissions of SO2, NOx, and particulate matter.
With a capacity of 32 MW, FirstEnergy Eastlake is considered a small-scale power plant. For context, large utility-scale plants often exceed 500 MW, while peaking plants typically range from 20 to 100 MW.