Overview
Haines is an 8.1 MW diesel power plant in Haines, Alaska, operated by Alaska Power and Telephone Co. It provides electricity to the local community using oil as its primary fuel.
Haines is a diesel power plant located in Haines, Alaska, United States. With a capacity of 8.1 MW, it is a small-scale facility serving the local grid. The plant is owned and operated by Alaska Power and Telephone Co, a utility serving remote communities in the region. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, typical for diesel power plants in off-grid areas. Diesel generation is common in Alaska due to limited grid connectivity. The facility operates under U.S. EPA regulations, including the Clean Air Act, which sets emission standards for criteria pollutants like SOx and NOx. However, smaller diesel plants may have less stringent requirements compared to larger facilities. As a key electricity source for Haines, the plant supports local residential and commercial needs. Its operation is critical in a region where renewable energy integration is growing but diesel remains a reliable backup. Typical diesel plants have moderate efficiency and higher emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewables.
Environmental context
Diesel power plants emit CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to local air quality concerns. Haines is a small coastal town with a population under 2,500, so the plant's emissions are relatively low in absolute terms but may affect a small area. The plant's proximity to residential zones is typical for community-scale generation. Alaska's remote locations often rely on diesel, but there is growing interest in renewable alternatives to reduce environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
The Haines power plant is located in Haines, Alaska, United States, at coordinates 59.2359° N, -135.4462° W.
The Haines power plant uses oil as its primary fuel, typical for diesel power plants in remote areas.
The Haines power plant is owned and operated by Alaska Power and Telephone Co, a utility serving rural communities in Alaska.
Diesel power plants in the U.S. are subject to the Clean Air Act, including emission standards for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Smaller plants may have less stringent requirements under the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants.
With a capacity of 8.1 MW, the Haines plant provides essential electricity to the Haines community, supporting residential and commercial loads in an area with limited grid connectivity.