Harry D Mattison Gas Plant: Natural Gas Power Generation in Arkansas

The Harry D Mattison Gas Plant is a natural gas-fired power generation facility located in Arkansas, United States. With a capacity of 349 megawatts (MW), it is a medium-scale gas plant within the U.S. power sector. The facility is owned and operated by Southwestern Electric Power Co, a subsidiary of American Electric Power, and serves the regional electricity demand. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. 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 Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a gas-fired plant, it benefits from lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter compared to coal-fired units, though it still emits nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The plant's technology is typical for modern gas plants, likely utilizing combined-cycle or simple-cycle gas turbines. The Harry D Mattison Gas Plant plays a key role in the local power grid, providing reliable electricity to homes and businesses in the region. Its gas-fired operation offers flexibility for load-following and peak demand, supporting grid stability. The facility's environmental footprint is moderated by the use of natural gas, which produces less CO2 per unit of electricity than coal, aligning with broader trends in the U.S. power sector toward cleaner generation.

The plant's gas-fired operation results in lower CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions compared to coal plants, but it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Located in a rural area of Arkansas, the facility's proximity to populated zones is limited, reducing local air quality impacts. Modern gas plants typically employ efficient combined-cycle systems. The 349 MW capacity places it in a moderate scale band, with environmental oversight under EPA regulations.