Marathon Generating Plant - Diesel Power Plant in the Florida Keys, USA

Marathon Generating Plant is a diesel power plant located in the Florida Keys, United States, with a capacity of 11 MW. It is owned and operated by Florida Keys El Coop Assn Inc and is currently operational. The plant serves as a local power source for the island community. As a diesel-fired facility, Marathon Generating Plant operates using oil as its primary fuel. Diesel plants are typically used for peaking power or backup generation due to their quick start capabilities. The plant's relatively small capacity places it in the small-scale category for power generation in the US, where larger plants often exceed 500 MW. Given its location in the environmentally sensitive Florida Keys, the plant's operations are subject to US EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act, including emissions standards for NOx and SO2. The plant plays a role in ensuring grid stability for the remote island community, though its diesel fuel source results in higher CO2 emissions per MWh compared to natural gas or renewable sources.

The plant's diesel fuel combustion produces CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, which are regulated under the US Clean Air Act. Its location in the Florida Keys, a coastal area with sensitive marine ecosystems, means that emissions and potential spills could impact local water quality and biodiversity. The plant's small capacity and role as a local power source reduce its regional environmental footprint compared to larger facilities.