Overview
Culbertson Generation Station is a 91 MW gas-fired power plant in Montana, USA, owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative. It provides electricity to the region under US EPA regulatory frameworks.
Culbertson Generation Station is a gas-fired power plant located in Montana, United States, with a capacity of 91 MW. Owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, the facility is operational and contributes to the regional power grid. As a gas plant, it represents a medium-scale generation asset within the US power sector. The plant operates under the regulatory oversight of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Gas-fired plants typically have lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to coal plants, and this facility likely employs modern combustion controls to meet emission limits. Culbertson Generation Station plays a role in serving the electricity needs of the surrounding area, supported by Basin Electric's cooperative network. Its gas-fired technology offers operational flexibility and lower carbon intensity relative to coal, aligning with broader trends in US power generation toward cleaner energy sources.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal-fired generation. Located in a rural area of Montana, its proximity to populated centers is limited, reducing local air quality impacts. The facility's age and technology (likely simple cycle or combined cycle) influence its efficiency and emission profile. Under the EPA's Acid Rain Program and CSAPR, the plant must comply with emission reduction requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Culbertson Generation Station is located in Montana, United States, near the town of Culbertson. Its coordinates are approximately 48.21° N, -104.39° W.
Culbertson Generation Station has a capacity of 91 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale gas-fired power plant.
The plant is owned by Basin Electric Power Cooperative, a regional cooperative that provides electricity to member systems.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS, the Acid Rain Program, and CSAPR. These regulations limit emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
Gas-fired plants like Culbertson Generation Station typically produce lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh than coal plants, contributing to reduced environmental impact.