Overview
The Onancock Diesel Generation Facility is a 4 MW oil-fired power plant in Virginia, USA, owned by Old Dominion Electric Cooperative. It provides peaking capacity to the local grid.
The Onancock Diesel Generation Facility is a small-scale diesel power plant located in Onancock, Virginia, United States. With a capacity of 4 MW, it operates as a peaking plant, supplying electricity during periods of high demand. The facility is owned by Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative serving member distribution cooperatives in Virginia and surrounding states. As a diesel-fired plant, it uses oil as its primary fuel. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated standards such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. While specific emission controls are not detailed, diesel plants of this scale typically employ technologies to limit nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter. The Onancock facility plays a role in ensuring grid reliability in the Eastern Shore region of Virginia. Its small capacity and peaking operation mean it runs only when needed, contributing to local energy security. The plant's location in a rural coastal area may have implications for local air quality, though its intermittent operation reduces overall environmental impact compared to baseload plants.
Environmental context
The Onancock Diesel Generation Facility uses oil as fuel, which results in emissions of CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulate matter. Its small capacity (4 MW) and peaking operation limit its overall environmental footprint. The facility is located in a rural area near the Chesapeake Bay, where air quality is generally good. Regulatory compliance with EPA standards, including the Clean Air Act, helps manage emissions. The plant's intermittent use reduces its contribution to local pollution compared to continuously operating facilities.
Frequently asked questions
The Onancock Diesel Generation Facility is located in Onancock, Virginia, United States, near the Chesapeake Bay.
It is a diesel power plant that uses oil as its primary fuel, with a capacity of 4 MW, typically used for peaking power during high demand.
The facility is owned by Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, a generation and transmission cooperative serving member cooperatives in the region.
Diesel power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for criteria pollutants, the Acid Rain Program for SO2 and NOx, and state-level permits.
As a peaking plant, it provides additional electricity during periods of high demand, helping to maintain grid reliability in the Eastern Shore region of Virginia.