Overview
Marshalltown Generating Station is a 705.9 MW gas-fired power plant in Marshalltown, Iowa, owned by Interstate Power and Light Co. It operates under US EPA regulations including the Clean Air Act.
Marshalltown Generating Station is a natural gas power plant located near Marshalltown, Iowa, United States. With a capacity of 705.9 MW, it is a medium-to-large scale facility in the US power generation sector. The plant is owned by Interstate Power and Light Co and is currently operational. The facility operates under the regulatory framework of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and its National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), as well as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). As a gas-fired plant, it benefits from lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) compared to coal-fired plants, though it still contributes to CO2 emissions. Marshalltown Generating Station plays a key role in providing electricity to the regional grid. Its gas-fired technology allows for flexible operation, supporting grid stability and integration of renewable energy sources. The plant's location in Iowa, a state with growing wind energy capacity, positions it as a complementary resource for balancing intermittent generation.
Environmental context
The plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which produces lower SOx and NOx emissions compared to coal but still emits CO2. Its location in a rural area near Marshalltown reduces direct population exposure to emissions. The facility's age and technology (likely combined-cycle or simple-cycle gas turbine) influence its efficiency and environmental footprint. Regulatory compliance with US EPA standards helps manage local air quality impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Marshalltown Generating Station is located near Marshalltown, Iowa, United States, at coordinates 42.0433° N, -92.8728° W.
It is a natural gas power plant with a capacity of 705.9 megawatts, owned by Interstate Power and Light Co.
The plant has a capacity of 705.9 megawatts, making it a medium-to-large scale gas-fired facility in the US.
The plant must comply with US EPA regulations including the Clean Air Act, NAAQS, Acid Rain Program, and CSAPR, which set limits on emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
The plant is owned by Interstate Power and Light Co, a utility company serving the Midwest.