Overview
Norton Powerhouse is a 5.6 MW gas-fired power plant in Worcester, Massachusetts, operated by Saint-Gobain Abrasives Inc. It supplies electricity to industrial operations under US EPA Clean Air Act regulations.
Norton Powerhouse is a gas-fired power generation facility located in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States. With a capacity of 5.6 MW, it is classified as a small-scale power plant, typically serving on-site industrial demand or local grid needs. The plant is owned and operated by Saint-Gobain Abrasives Inc, a manufacturer of abrasive products. 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 a gas-fired plant, it benefits from lower emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter compared to coal-fired units, though it still must comply with New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and potentially the Acid Rain Program for NOx emissions. Norton Powerhouse plays a role in supporting the energy needs of Saint-Gobain's industrial operations in the region. Its location in Worcester places it within a densely populated area of central Massachusetts, where air quality regulations are stringent. The plant's relatively small capacity and use of natural gas contribute to a lower environmental footprint compared to larger fossil fuel facilities.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired technology results in lower CO2, SO2, and NOx emissions per MWh compared to coal or oil plants. Its location in Worcester, a city with over 200,000 residents, means it operates under strict state and federal air quality regulations, including Massachusetts' implementation of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). The small capacity (5.6 MW) limits its overall environmental impact, but proximity to populated areas requires adherence to local noise and emission standards.
Frequently asked questions
Norton Powerhouse is located in Worcester, Massachusetts, United States, at coordinates 42.3096, -71.8052.
Norton Powerhouse is a gas-fired power plant with a capacity of 5.6 MW, owned and operated by Saint-Gobain Abrasives Inc.
Norton Powerhouse has a capacity of 5.6 megawatts (MW), making it a small-scale gas power plant.
As a US gas power plant, Norton Powerhouse must comply with the Clean Air Act, including NAAQS, NSPS, and potentially the Acid Rain Program for NOx emissions. Massachusetts also enforces state-level air quality rules and participates in RGGI.
Norton Powerhouse is operated by Saint-Gobain Abrasives Inc, a manufacturer of abrasive products, and likely serves the company's industrial energy needs.