Overview
Hartford Hospital Cogeneration is an 11.8 MW gas-fired power plant in Hartford, Connecticut, United States. It is operated by Hartford Steam Co and provides on-site power generation for the hospital facility.
Hartford Hospital Cogeneration is a gas-fired power plant located in Hartford, Connecticut, United States. With a capacity of 11.8 MW, it is a small-scale facility designed to provide reliable electricity and steam for the Hartford Hospital complex. The plant is owned and operated by Hartford Steam Co, ensuring dedicated management of its operations. The plant operates on natural gas, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal or oil. As a cogeneration facility, it simultaneously produces electricity and useful thermal energy, achieving higher overall efficiency than separate heat and power generation. This technology aligns with modern energy efficiency practices and reduces the carbon footprint per unit of energy delivered. Located in an urban area, the plant supports critical healthcare infrastructure by providing resilient on-site power. Its small capacity and gas-fired technology result in lower emissions relative to larger fossil fuel plants. The facility contributes to grid stability and energy security for the hospital, which is essential for continuous patient care and emergency preparedness.
Environmental context
The plant's use of natural gas as primary fuel results in lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter compared to coal or oil-fired plants. Its cogeneration design enhances energy efficiency, reducing overall fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions per unit of energy. Located in an urban setting, the plant's emissions are subject to US EPA Clean Air Act regulations, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and state-level air quality permits. The relatively small capacity minimizes local environmental impact while providing essential power to a major hospital.
Frequently asked questions
Hartford Hospital Cogeneration is located in Hartford, Connecticut, United States, at coordinates 41.763100, -72.673300.
The plant has a capacity of 11.8 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale gas-fired power plant.
The plant is owned and operated by Hartford Steam Co, which manages its operations and maintenance.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for pollutants like SO2 and NOx, and may be subject to state-level permits and emissions limits.
Cogeneration, or combined heat and power (CHP), simultaneously produces electricity and useful thermal energy from the same fuel source, achieving overall efficiencies of 60-80% compared to separate generation.