Lime Creek Diesel Power Plant | Iowa, United States

Lime Creek is a diesel power plant located in Iowa, United States, with a capacity of 90.2 MW. Owned by Interstate Power and Light Co, the facility is operational and contributes to the regional power supply. As a diesel plant, it provides peaking or backup power, typical for facilities of this size and fuel type. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency, including the Clean Air Act and associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. The plant's oil-fired technology places it in a category subject to specific emission limits and monitoring requirements. Its location in Iowa, a state with significant wind energy capacity, allows it to complement intermittent generation. The plant's operational status and ownership by a major utility underscore its importance in the local energy mix.

The plant's use of oil as primary fuel results in higher CO2 emissions per MWh compared to natural gas, and contributes to SOx and NOx emissions. Its location in a rural area of Iowa reduces direct population exposure, but emissions still affect regional air quality. The facility's age and technology (likely reciprocating engines) influence its efficiency and environmental footprint. Regulatory compliance with EPA standards is essential to mitigate local and downwind impacts.