Freedom Power Project - 71 MW Gas Power Plant in Illinois, USA

The Freedom Power Project is a natural gas power plant located in Illinois, United States, with a capacity of 71 megawatts. It is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Coop Inc, serving the local community. The plant is operational and plays a role in the state's energy mix. As a gas-fired facility, the Freedom Power Project operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act and its associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants. The plant's capacity places it in the small-to-medium scale for gas power plants in the US. The Freedom Power Project supports grid reliability and provides electricity to the surrounding area. Its use of natural gas, a lower-carbon fossil fuel compared to coal, aligns with broader trends in the US power sector toward cleaner generation. The plant's operational status ensures continued service to the community.

The Freedom Power Project, as a gas-fired plant, has a lower carbon footprint compared to coal-fired facilities but still emits CO2 and other pollutants. Its location in rural Illinois minimizes direct impact on densely populated areas. The plant's capacity of 71 MW is modest, and its emissions are subject to EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS and CSAPR, which aim to reduce regional air pollution.