Overview
Carl Bailey is a 120 MW gas-fired power plant in Arkansas, United States, operated by Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation. The facility provides electricity to the local grid.
Carl Bailey is a gas-fired power plant located in Arkansas, United States, with a generating capacity of 120 megawatts (MW). The facility is owned and operated by Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, a member-owned utility serving rural and residential customers across the state. As a gas-powered plant, it contributes to the region's energy mix, complementing other sources such as coal and renewables. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the United States 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). These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants. Gas-fired plants like Carl Bailey typically have lower emissions compared to coal-fired units, aligning with modern environmental standards. Carl Bailey plays a role in meeting the electricity demands of Arkansas, particularly during peak periods. Its capacity of 120 MW places it in the small-to-medium scale for gas power plants. The facility's operational status ensures continued reliability for the cooperative's member-owners, supporting local communities and economic activities in the region.
Environmental context
As a gas-fired power plant, Carl Bailey produces lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per megawatt-hour compared to coal-fired plants. However, natural gas combustion still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's location in rural Arkansas reduces direct exposure to densely populated areas, but regional air quality may be affected. Compliance with EPA regulations, including the Clean Air Act, helps mitigate environmental impacts through emission controls and monitoring.
Frequently asked questions
The Carl Bailey power plant is located in Arkansas, United States, at coordinates 35.2601° N, -91.3634° W.
The Carl Bailey power plant has a generating capacity of 120 megawatts (MW), making it a small-to-medium scale gas-fired facility.
The Carl Bailey power plant is owned by Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, a member-owned utility serving rural and residential customers in Arkansas.
Gas power plants in the United States must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which set limits on emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants.
The Carl Bailey power plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which produces lower emissions compared to coal but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.