Overview
Bay Front is a 47.2 MW gas power plant in Wisconsin, United States, operated by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota. The facility provides electricity to the regional grid.
Bay Front is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Wisconsin, United States, with a capacity of 47.2 MW. It is owned and operated by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy. The plant plays a role in meeting local electricity demand within the regional power grid. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a gas-fired plant, it typically has lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to coal-fired facilities. The technology likely involves combustion turbines or reciprocating engines, common for gas plants of this scale. Bay Front contributes to the energy mix in Wisconsin, supporting grid reliability and serving the surrounding community. Its gas-fired operation aligns with trends toward cleaner fossil fuel generation, though it still produces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The plant's location and capacity make it a modest but important asset for local power supply.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired operation results in lower SO2 and NOx emissions compared to coal, but it still emits CO2. Its location in Wisconsin, a state with diverse energy sources, means it operates within a mix of coal, nuclear, and renewables. The relatively small capacity (47.2 MW) limits its overall environmental footprint, but proximity to populated areas could influence local air quality. Regulatory compliance with EPA standards helps manage emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Bay Front is located in Wisconsin, United States, at coordinates 46.587200, -90.901700.
Bay Front has a capacity of 47.2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale gas power plant.
Bay Front is owned by Northern States Power Co - Minnesota, a subsidiary of Xcel Energy.
Bay Front operates under U.S. EPA regulations including the Clean Air Act, Acid Rain Program, and Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which limit emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
Bay Front uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which produces lower emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds compared to coal.