Overview
Knoxville Industrial is a 16 MW diesel power plant in Knoxville, Iowa, operated by MidAmerican Energy Co. It provides peaking capacity to the regional grid.
Knoxville Industrial is a diesel-fired power plant located in Knoxville, Iowa, United States. With a capacity of 16 MW, it operates as a small-scale peaking facility within MidAmerican Energy Co's portfolio, supporting grid stability during periods of high demand. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for peaking plants due to its quick start capabilities. As a diesel power plant, it operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated standards for emissions of SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Typical diesel plants of this scale use reciprocating engines. Knoxville Industrial plays a role in meeting local electricity demand in south-central Iowa. Its environmental impact is primarily associated with combustion emissions, which are regulated under federal and state air quality programs. The plant's relatively small capacity limits its overall footprint compared to larger baseload facilities.
Environmental context
The plant's diesel combustion produces CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, contributing to local air quality concerns. Its location in a rural area reduces direct population exposure, but emissions are subject to EPA's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and state implementation plans. The use of oil as fuel results in higher carbon intensity compared to natural gas, though the small capacity moderates total emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Knoxville Industrial is located in Knoxville, Iowa, United States, at coordinates 41.316000, -93.061000.
Knoxville Industrial is a diesel power plant that uses oil as its primary fuel to generate electricity.
Knoxville Industrial is owned by MidAmerican Energy Co, a major utility in the Midwest.
Diesel power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants like SOx and NOx, and may be subject to the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR).
As a 16 MW peaking plant, Knoxville Industrial provides additional capacity during periods of high electricity demand, helping to maintain grid reliability in the region.