Overview
Kake is a 3.1 MW diesel power plant in Alaska, USA, operated by Inside Passage Elec Coop Inc. It supplies electricity to the local community in the Inside Passage region.
Kake is a diesel power plant located in Kake, Alaska, United States. With a capacity of 3.1 MW, it is a small-scale facility serving the local grid. The plant is owned and operated by Inside Passage Elec Coop Inc, a cooperative providing electricity to remote communities in Southeast Alaska. The plant uses diesel fuel, which is common for isolated power generation in Alaska due to limited grid connectivity. While diesel generation is reliable, it has higher CO2 and pollutant emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewables. The facility operates under US EPA regulations, including the Clean Air Act, which sets emission standards for stationary engines. As a key energy source for Kake, this plant supports the community's electricity needs in a region where alternative energy sources are limited. Its operation is critical for local infrastructure, though it faces challenges related to fuel transport and environmental impact in the sensitive Alaskan coastal environment.
Environmental context
The plant's diesel fuel use results in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions typical of internal combustion engines. Located in a remote coastal area, its emissions may affect local air quality and contribute to regional pollution. The facility's small capacity limits its overall environmental footprint, but fuel transport by barge poses spill risks to the marine ecosystem.
Frequently asked questions
The Kake power plant is located in Kake, Alaska, United States, in the Inside Passage region.
The Kake power plant uses diesel fuel (oil) to generate electricity.
The Kake power plant is owned and operated by Inside Passage Elec Coop Inc, a cooperative serving Southeast Alaska.
Diesel power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including emission standards for NOx, SO2, and particulate matter under the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS).
At 3.1 MW, the Kake plant is a small-scale diesel facility, typical for remote or island communities where grid connection is not feasible.