Overview
Kimberly Clark Mobile - CHP Plant is a 50 MW gas-fired combined heat and power facility in Mobile, Alabama, United States. It provides efficient energy and steam for industrial operations.
The Kimberly Clark Mobile - CHP Plant is a gas-fired combined heat and power (CHP) facility located in Mobile, Alabama, United States. With a capacity of 50 MW, it operates as a medium-scale power plant within the U.S. gas power sector, supporting the energy needs of the Kimberly Clark manufacturing site. As a CHP plant, it utilizes natural gas to generate both electricity and thermal energy, achieving higher overall efficiency compared to separate heat and power generation. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated standards such as the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and the Acid Rain Program. Natural gas combustion produces lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to coal, but still requires compliance with emission limits and permitting. The plant plays a key role in providing reliable on-site power and steam for the Kimberly Clark industrial facility, reducing reliance on grid electricity and enhancing energy security. Its location in Mobile, a port city on the Gulf Coast, places it within a region with a mix of industrial and residential areas, necessitating careful management of local air quality impacts.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired CHP technology results in lower CO2 emissions per MWh compared to coal plants, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Its proximity to Mobile's urban and industrial areas requires adherence to EPA air quality standards to minimize local pollution. The use of natural gas reduces SOx and particulate matter emissions, but NOx control technologies may be needed to meet NAAQS requirements.
Frequently asked questions
The plant is located in Mobile, Alabama, United States, at coordinates 30.737700, -88.049800.
It is a gas-fired combined heat and power (CHP) plant, generating both electricity and thermal energy for industrial use.
The plant has a capacity of 50 megawatts (MW).
Gas power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS, the Acid Rain Program, and CSAPR, which set limits on emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
A CHP plant captures waste heat from electricity generation to provide thermal energy, achieving higher overall efficiency (often 60-80%) compared to separate heat and power generation.