Grantsburg Diesel Power Plant - 6.4 MW Oil-Fired Peaking Facility in Wisconsin

Grantsburg Diesel is a diesel-fired power plant located in Grantsburg, Wisconsin, United States. With a capacity of 6.4 MW, it is a small-scale facility within the U.S. power generation sector, typically used for peaking or emergency power supply. The plant is owned and operated by Northwestern Wisconsin Elec Co and is currently operational. The plant operates on oil (diesel) as its primary fuel, a common choice for peaking plants due to its quick start-up capabilities. In the U.S., such facilities are subject to emissions regulations under the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and state-level air permits. Diesel plants of this size often use reciprocating engines. Its location in rural Wisconsin minimizes direct population exposure to emissions, though diesel combustion produces NOx and particulate matter that are regulated under federal and state air quality programs.

The plant's diesel fuel combustion results in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter, which are regulated under the U.S. Clean Air Act. Its small capacity and likely intermittent operation reduce overall environmental impact compared to baseload coal or gas plants. The facility's rural location helps limit exposure to nearby populations, though local air quality may be affected during operation.