Overview
North Chicago Energy Center is a 12.4 MW gas-fired power plant in Illinois, USA, operated by Energy Systems Group LLC. It provides electricity to the local grid.
North Chicago Energy Center is a gas-fired power generation facility located in North Chicago, Illinois, United States. With a capacity of 12.4 MW, it is a small-scale plant within the US power generation sector, serving the local community. The plant operates on natural gas, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal. As a gas power plant, it likely uses combustion turbine or reciprocating engine technology. The facility is subject to US EPA regulations under the Clean Air Act, including New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). North Chicago Energy Center plays a role in meeting regional electricity demand, particularly during peak periods. Its relatively small capacity and gas fuel source contribute to a lower environmental footprint compared to larger coal-fired plants. The facility supports grid reliability in the Lake County area.
Environmental context
The plant's gas fuel type results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal-fired generation. Its location in an urbanized area near Lake Michigan may raise considerations regarding local air quality and water usage. The small capacity (12.4 MW) limits its overall environmental impact, but proximity to populated areas necessitates compliance with stringent state and federal emission standards.
Frequently asked questions
North Chicago Energy Center is located in North Chicago, Illinois, United States, at coordinates 42.306400, -87.851900.
It is a gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 12.4 MW, owned by Energy Systems Group LLC.
The plant has a capacity of 12.4 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale power generation facility.
Gas power plants in the USA 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 regulations.
The plant provides electricity to the local grid in Lake County, Illinois, helping to meet demand and enhance grid reliability, especially during peak usage periods.