Overview
La Plata is a 3.6 MW diesel power plant in La Plata, Missouri, USA. Operated by the City of La Plata, it provides local grid support using oil as its primary fuel.
La Plata is a diesel power plant located in La Plata, Missouri, United States. With a capacity of 3.6 MW, it is a small-scale facility serving the local community. The plant is owned and operated by the City of La Plata and is currently operational. The plant uses oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for smaller diesel plants that provide peaking or emergency power. In the United States, such facilities are subject to the Clean Air Act (CAA) regulations, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for stationary engines. The plant's small capacity likely places it in a category with less stringent permitting requirements compared to larger baseload plants. As a municipal utility asset, La Plata plays a role in ensuring local energy reliability, particularly during peak demand or grid disturbances. Its diesel technology allows for rapid startup, making it valuable for grid stability. The plant's environmental footprint is relatively modest due to its size, though diesel combustion emits NOx and particulate matter, which are regulated under the CAA.
Environmental context
The plant's use of oil as fuel results in emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and particulate matter, which are regulated under the US Clean Air Act. Its location in a small town in Missouri means it is not in a densely populated area, reducing direct exposure risks. However, as a diesel plant, it may operate only during peak demand, limiting its overall environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
La Plata power plant is located in La Plata, Missouri, United States, at coordinates 40.0244 N, -92.4896 W.
La Plata is a diesel power plant that uses oil as its primary fuel. It has a capacity of 3.6 MW and is owned by the City of La Plata.
The La Plata power plant is owned and operated by the City of La Plata, a municipal utility in Missouri.
Diesel power plants in the US are regulated under the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for stationary engines. These regulations limit emissions of NOx, SO2, and particulate matter.
They can start quickly and are often used by municipal utilities to ensure local reliability.