Overview
Elwood Energy LLC is a 1,728 MW gas-fired power plant located in Illinois, United States. It operates as a major electricity generation facility in the region.
Elwood Energy LLC is a gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 1,728 megawatts (MW), located in Illinois, United States. The facility is operational and owned by Elwood Energy LLC, contributing significantly to the regional power grid. As a large-scale gas plant, it plays a key role in meeting electricity demand in the area. 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). Gas-fired power plants like Elwood Energy typically use combined cycle technology, which offers higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to older coal-fired units. The facility's capacity places it in the large-scale category for gas power plants in the U.S. Environmental considerations for this facility include its fuel type (natural gas), which produces lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal. Its location in Illinois, a state with a mix of industrial and agricultural activities, means the plant's emissions are subject to state and federal air quality standards. The plant's operational status and capacity indicate its importance in maintaining grid reliability and supporting the transition to cleaner energy sources.
Environmental context
The plant's use of natural gas as primary fuel results in lower carbon dioxide and pollutant emissions compared to coal-fired plants. Its location in Illinois, which has moderate population density, means emissions are regulated under the Clean Air Act to protect local air quality. The facility's large capacity suggests it may operate frequently, contributing to regional greenhouse gas emissions but with a smaller footprint per unit of electricity than many alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
Elwood Energy LLC is located in Illinois, United States, at coordinates 41.438800, -88.123600.
Elwood Energy LLC has a capacity of 1,728 megawatts (MW), making it a large-scale gas-fired power plant.
Elwood Energy LLC is owned by Elwood Energy LLC, a private entity operating in the United States power generation sector.
Gas power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR).
As a gas-fired plant, Elwood Energy LLC produces lower emissions of CO2, SOx, and NOx compared to coal plants, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its operations are regulated to minimize local air quality impacts.