Frederic Diesel Power Plant | Frederic, Wisconsin | Oil-Fired Peaking Facility

Frederic Diesel is a diesel power plant located in Frederic, Wisconsin, United States. With a capacity of 13.7 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the U.S. power generation sector, typically used for peaking or emergency backup due to the operational characteristics of diesel engines. The plant operates on oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for smaller diesel plants. In the United States, such facilities are subject to federal and state environmental regulations, including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), as well as state-level emissions controls. Diesel plants generally have higher NOx and particulate matter emissions compared to natural gas combined-cycle plants. Its small capacity and operational role underscore its importance for local energy security, though its environmental footprint is higher per MWh than larger, more efficient natural gas or renewable facilities.

The plant's use of oil as fuel results in higher CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewable sources. Its location in a rural area of Wisconsin may reduce direct population exposure, but emissions still contribute to regional air quality. The facility's age and technology (diesel engine) are typical for peaking plants, which operate less frequently but have higher emission rates when running.