Overview
Fitchburg is a 57.6 MW gas power plant in Wisconsin, USA, operated by Madison Gas & Electric Co. It supplies electricity to the local grid under US EPA regulatory frameworks.
Fitchburg is a gas-fired power plant located in Wisconsin, United States, with a capacity of 57.6 MW. It is owned and operated by Madison Gas & Electric Co, serving the local community with reliable electricity generation. As a medium-scale gas plant, it plays a role in the regional power mix. The plant operates under the regulatory oversight of the US Environmental Protection Agency, complying with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS and the Acid Rain Program. Gas-fired plants like Fitchburg typically use combined cycle or simple cycle technology, offering lower emissions compared to coal-fired units. The facility's capacity places it in the small-to-medium range for gas plants in the US. Fitchburg contributes to the grid stability of the Wisconsin region, supporting residential and commercial demand. Its gas fuel source results in lower CO2 and SOx emissions relative to coal, aligning with cleaner energy trends. The plant's operational status ensures ongoing power supply to the area.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2 and SOx emissions compared to coal, but still contributes to NOx and greenhouse gas emissions. Its location in Wisconsin, a state with diverse energy sources, means it operates alongside renewables and coal. Proximity to populated areas may require adherence to local air quality standards. The plant's age and technology (likely simple cycle or combined cycle) influence its efficiency and environmental footprint.
Frequently asked questions
The Fitchburg gas power plant is located in Wisconsin, United States, near the city of Fitchburg. Its coordinates are approximately 43.0147° N, -89.4603° W.
The Fitchburg power plant has a capacity of 57.6 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale gas-fired facility.
The Fitchburg gas power plant is owned and operated by Madison Gas & Electric Co, a utility company serving the Wisconsin region.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). These regulations limit emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
Gas-fired power plants like Fitchburg produce significantly lower CO2, SO2, and particulate emissions compared to coal plants. However, they still emit NOx and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, though at a reduced rate per MWh.