Overview
John Deere Dubuque Works is a 9 MW diesel power plant in Dubuque, Iowa, United States. It provides on-site power generation for the John Deere manufacturing facility.
John Deere Dubuque Works is a diesel power plant located in Dubuque, Iowa, United States. With a capacity of 9 MW, it is a small-scale facility designed to support the energy needs of the adjacent John Deere manufacturing plant. The plant operates on oil as its primary fuel, typical for industrial backup or peaking power generation. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). As a diesel-powered plant, it is subject to emissions standards for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. The plant's small capacity and industrial setting may allow it to comply with less stringent requirements compared to larger utility-scale generators. As an on-site power source for a major manufacturing facility, the John Deere Dubuque Works plant plays a critical role in ensuring operational reliability and energy security. Its location within an industrial area minimizes direct impact on densely populated zones, though local air quality considerations remain relevant. Typical diesel plants of this scale use reciprocating engines.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as a primary fuel results in higher CO2 emissions per MWh compared to natural gas, and diesel combustion produces SO2, NOx, and particulate matter. Its location in an industrial area reduces direct exposure to residential populations, but emissions may still affect local air quality. The 9 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category, limiting its overall environmental footprint relative to larger power stations.
Frequently asked questions
John Deere Dubuque Works is located in Dubuque, Iowa, United States, at coordinates 42.5734, -90.6926.
The plant has a capacity of 9 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale diesel power plant.
The plant is owned and operated by John Deere Dubuque Works, serving the on-site energy needs of the manufacturing facility.
Diesel power plants in the U.S. are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for criteria pollutants and standards for SO2, NOx, and particulate matter. Facilities may also need to comply with state-level permits.
As an on-site generator, the plant provides backup and peak power for the John Deere manufacturing facility, enhancing operational reliability and reducing dependence on the grid.