Overview
Kanoelehua is a 21 MW diesel power plant in Hawaii, USA, operated by Hawaii Electric Light Co Inc. It provides electricity to the Big Island using oil as its primary fuel.
Kanoelehua is a diesel power plant located in Hawaii, United States, with a capacity of 21 MW. It is owned and operated by Hawaii Electric Light Co Inc, serving the island of Hawaii (the Big Island). As a diesel-fired facility, it plays a role in the state's power generation mix, which relies heavily on imported petroleum for electricity. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Diesel power plants are subject to emissions standards for sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter. Given its relatively small capacity, Kanoelehua is classified as a small-scale power generation facility. Environmentally, the plant's use of oil as fuel results in higher CO2 emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewable sources. Its location in Hawaii, a state with ambitious renewable energy goals, places it in a transitioning energy landscape. The plant's operational status contributes to grid reliability, particularly during peak demand or when renewable sources are intermittent.
Environmental context
Kanoelehua's reliance on oil as a primary fuel results in significant CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per unit of electricity generated. The plant is situated in Hawaii, where the local ecosystem is sensitive to air and water pollution. Proximity to populated areas may raise concerns about local air quality impacts. The facility's age and technology (diesel engine) typically have lower efficiency compared to combined cycle gas turbines, leading to a higher carbon footprint.
Frequently asked questions
Kanoelehua is located in Hawaii, United States, on the Big Island. Its coordinates are approximately 19.7052 N, -155.0625 W.
Kanoelehua is a diesel power plant that uses oil as its primary fuel to generate electricity.
Kanoelehua has a capacity of 21 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale power generation facility.
Kanoelehua is owned and operated by Hawaii Electric Light Co Inc, the primary electric utility serving the Big Island.
Diesel power plants in the USA must comply with the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants like SO2, NOx, and particulate matter. They may also be subject to state-level emissions limits and permitting requirements.