Overview
Central Power Plant is an 11 MW gas-fired power plant in Rhode Island, USA, owned by the State of Rhode Island. It supports local grid reliability with natural gas generation.
Central Power Plant is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Rhode Island, United States. With a capacity of 11 MW, it is a small-scale plant owned by the State of Rhode Island and currently operational. The plant contributes to the regional energy mix by utilizing natural gas as its primary fuel. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a gas-fired facility, it benefits from lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to coal-fired plants, aligning with modern environmental standards. Central Power Plant plays a role in Rhode Island's energy infrastructure, providing dispatchable power to meet local demand. Its small capacity and gas-fired technology position it as a flexible resource for grid balancing. The plant's ownership by the state underscores its public service function, supporting community energy needs.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired technology results in lower CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal or oil plants. Its location in Rhode Island, a state with stringent environmental regulations, ensures compliance with EPA standards. The small capacity (11 MW) limits its overall environmental footprint, and natural gas combustion produces fewer air pollutants, contributing to better local air quality.
Frequently asked questions
Central Power Plant is located in Rhode Island, United States, at coordinates 41.745000 N, -71.458400 W.
Central Power Plant is a gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 11 megawatts (MW), using natural gas as its primary fuel.
Central Power Plant is owned by the State of Rhode Island.
Gas power plants in the USA must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which regulate emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
As a small-scale gas plant, Central Power Plant provides dispatchable power to support grid reliability and meet local electricity demand in Rhode Island.