Overview
MTSU Power Co-Gen Plant is a 5 MW gas-fired power generation facility in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, operated by Middle Tennessee State University. It supports campus energy needs with combined heat and power technology.
MTSU Power Co-Gen Plant is a natural gas-fired power generation facility located on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. With a capacity of 5 MW, it is a small-scale plant that provides electricity and thermal energy to the university, enhancing energy efficiency through cogeneration. The plant operates under the regulatory framework of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Air Act, which sets emission standards for criteria pollutants such as NOx and SO2. As a gas-fired facility, it benefits from lower carbon intensity compared to coal, and its small capacity places it in a category with streamlined permitting requirements under state and federal rules. As a cogeneration plant, MTSU Power Co-Gen Plant plays a key role in reducing the university's energy costs and carbon footprint. Its location on a university campus minimizes transmission losses and supports educational and research activities related to sustainable energy systems.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired technology results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal-fired plants. Its small 5 MW capacity and cogeneration design improve overall efficiency, reducing environmental impact. Located on a university campus, it avoids proximity to densely populated residential areas, though Murfreesboro's growing population means local air quality considerations remain relevant under the Clean Air Act.
Frequently asked questions
MTSU Power Co-Gen Plant is located on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA.
It is a gas-fired cogeneration (combined heat and power) plant with a capacity of 5 MW, providing both electricity and thermal energy to the university.
The plant is owned by Middle Tennessee State University. University facilities management typically handles operations.
Gas-fired power plants in the U.S. must comply with the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for greenhouse gases and criteria pollutants, as well as state-level air quality permits.
Cogeneration captures waste heat from electricity generation for heating or cooling, achieving overall efficiencies of 60-80% versus 33-45% for conventional plants, reducing fuel use and emissions.