Overview
Coldwater Peaking Plant is a 12.9 MW gas-fired power station in Michigan, USA, owned by Michigan South Central Power Agency. It serves as a peaking plant to meet high electricity demand periods.
Coldwater Peaking Plant is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Michigan, United States. With a capacity of 12.9 MW, it is classified as a small-scale peaking plant, designed to operate during periods of high electricity demand. The plant is owned by Michigan South Central Power Agency, a public power agency serving the region. The facility 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 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. As a gas-fired plant, it benefits from lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to coal-fired plants, though its peaking operation may result in less efficient combustion. The plant's technology is typical for small peaking units, often using simple-cycle gas turbines. Coldwater Peaking Plant plays a key role in grid reliability by providing supplemental power during peak load periods. Its location in rural Michigan minimizes direct impact on densely populated areas. The plant's relatively small capacity and gas fuel source contribute to a moderate environmental footprint within the regional power generation mix.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal, but its peaking operation may lead to higher emissions intensity due to less efficient part-load operation. Located in a rural area of Michigan, the facility's emissions are subject to EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for local air quality. The small capacity (12.9 MW) limits its overall environmental impact relative to larger baseload plants.
Frequently asked questions
Coldwater Peaking Plant is located in Michigan, United States, near the city of Coldwater. Its coordinates are approximately 41.9194° N, -85.0242° W.
Coldwater Peaking Plant is a gas-fired peaking power plant with a capacity of 12.9 MW. It operates primarily during periods of high electricity demand to support grid reliability.
Coldwater Peaking Plant is owned by Michigan South Central Power Agency, a public power agency that provides electricity to member communities in south-central Michigan.
Gas-fired power plants in the U.S. are regulated under the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants like SO2 and NOx, and the Acid Rain Program for SO2 emissions. They may also be subject to state-level regulations.
Peaking plants like Coldwater Peaking Plant provide additional electricity during times of peak demand, such as hot summer days or cold winter periods. They help maintain grid stability and prevent blackouts by quickly ramping up generation when needed.