Overview
Fort Dodge is a 149 MW gas power plant in Kansas, United States, operated by Sunflower Electric Power Corp. It supplies electricity to the regional grid.
Fort Dodge is a natural gas-fired power generation facility located in Kansas, United States. With a capacity of 149 megawatts, it operates as a medium-scale plant within the US power sector. The facility is owned and operated by Sunflower Electric Power Corp, a utility serving the region. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal. It operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency, including the Clean Air Act and associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule. These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. Fort Dodge plays a role in meeting local electricity demand and supporting grid reliability. Its location in Kansas places it within a region with a mix of energy sources, including wind and coal. The plant's gas-fired technology offers operational flexibility, contributing to the stability of the regional power supply.
Environmental context
The Fort Dodge gas plant's environmental impact is shaped by its fuel type and capacity. Natural gas combustion produces lower CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. The plant's location in a rural area of Kansas may reduce direct exposure to populated centers, though regional air quality is subject to EPA standards. Typical gas plants of this scale use combined cycle or simple cycle turbines.
Frequently asked questions
The Fort Dodge gas power plant is located in Kansas, United States, near the city of Dodge City.
The Fort Dodge power plant has a capacity of 149 megawatts, making it a medium-scale gas-fired facility.
The Fort Dodge power plant is owned by Sunflower Electric Power Corp, a utility serving Kansas and surrounding areas.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards, the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule, which limit emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
The Fort Dodge plant provides 149 MW of flexible generation capacity to the regional grid, helping meet peak demand and integrate renewable energy sources like wind.