Overview
Dearborn Energy Center is a 35 MW gas power plant in Michigan, USA, operated by DTE Electric Company. It provides electricity to the local grid under US EPA regulations.
The Dearborn Energy Center is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Michigan, United States. With a capacity of 35 megawatts, it is a relatively small-scale plant within the US power sector, serving the local energy needs of the Dearborn area. The facility is owned and operated by DTE Electric Company, a major utility in the region. As a gas power plant, the Dearborn Energy Center operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its associated programs such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. Gas-fired plants generally have lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter compared to coal plants, but still require compliance with emission limits for nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants. The plant plays a role in supporting grid reliability and meeting peak demand in southeastern Michigan. Its relatively small capacity and use of natural gas position it as a flexible generation source that can complement larger baseload plants and renewable energy sources in the region.
Environmental context
The Dearborn Energy Center's use of natural gas results in lower CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour compared to coal, but it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's location in an urbanized area near Detroit means it operates in proximity to populated communities, necessitating adherence to local air quality standards. Its age and technology (likely simple cycle or combined cycle) influence its efficiency and environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
The Dearborn Energy Center is located in Michigan, United States, near the city of Dearborn. Its approximate coordinates are 42.2969 N, -83.2313 W.
The Dearborn Energy Center is a gas power plant that generates electricity using natural gas as its primary fuel.
The Dearborn Energy Center is owned by DTE Electric Company, a major utility serving southeastern Michigan.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS for criteria pollutants, the Acid Rain Program for SO2 and NOx, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). They may also need permits under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for water discharges.
With a capacity of 35 MW, the Dearborn Energy Center is considered a small-scale gas power plant. Typical gas plants range from small peaking units (under 50 MW) to large combined-cycle facilities exceeding 500 MW.