Overview
MTHS Co-Gen Buildings is a 1.2 MW gas power plant in Maine Township, Illinois, operated by Maine Township High School Dist 207. It provides on-site cogeneration for educational facilities.
MTHS Co-Gen Buildings is a gas-fired power plant located in Maine Township, Illinois, United States. With a capacity of 1.2 MW, it is a small-scale facility designed to support the energy needs of the Maine Township High School District 207. The plant is operational and serves as a cogeneration unit, providing both electricity and thermal energy to the school buildings. The plant operates on natural gas, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal or oil. As a small cogeneration facility, it falls under the regulatory oversight of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state-level environmental agencies. While specific emission data is not detailed, the plant is subject to the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated regulations, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for stationary engines and turbines. Cogeneration plants like this are often recognized for their higher efficiency and reduced carbon footprint compared to separate heat and power generation. The facility plays a key role in providing reliable energy to the school district, potentially reducing energy costs and ensuring uninterrupted power for educational activities. Its location in a suburban area near Chicago means it operates within a region with moderate air quality concerns, but the small scale and gas fuel type likely minimize local environmental impact. The plant contributes to the district's energy resilience and sustainability goals.
Environmental context
The plant uses natural gas, which produces lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal or oil. Its small capacity (1.2 MW) and cogeneration design enhance overall efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions per unit of energy. Located in a suburban area, the facility's emissions are subject to EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act, including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The plant's proximity to schools and residential areas underscores the importance of maintaining low pollutant levels to protect public health.
Frequently asked questions
MTHS Co-Gen Buildings is located in Maine Township, Illinois, United States, near Chicago.
The plant has a capacity of 1.2 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale gas power plant.
The plant is owned and operated by Maine Township High School District 207.
As a U.S. gas power plant, it is subject to the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for stationary engines and turbines, and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
The plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel, which is a cleaner-burning fossil fuel.