Overview
Osawatomie is a 102 MW gas-fired power plant in Kansas, operated by Evergy Metro. It supplies electricity to the regional grid under US EPA regulatory frameworks.
Osawatomie is a gas-fired power plant located in Osawatomie, Kansas, United States. With a capacity of 102 MW, it operates as a medium-scale facility within the US power generation sector, contributing to the regional electricity supply managed by Evergy Metro. The plant utilizes natural gas as its primary fuel, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal. It operates under the regulatory oversight of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), including the Clean Air Act (CAA) and associated programs such as the Acid Rain Program and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR). These regulations govern emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and other pollutants to protect air quality. As an operational gas plant, Osawatomie plays a role in meeting local energy demand while adhering to environmental standards. Its location in Kansas places it within a region with a mix of renewable and fossil fuel generation, supporting grid reliability and community power needs.
Environmental context
The plant's gas-fired technology results in lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal-fired units, reducing its local environmental footprint. Its location in a relatively rural area of Kansas minimizes direct exposure to dense populations, though regional air quality is subject to EPA NAAQS standards. Its capacity suggests a moderate operational scale.
Frequently asked questions
The Osawatomie power plant is located in Osawatomie, Kansas, United States, at coordinates 38.5322° N, 94.9026° W.
The Osawatomie gas power plant has a capacity of 102 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-scale facility in the US power generation sector.
The Osawatomie power plant is owned and operated by Evergy Metro, a utility company serving the Kansas region.
Gas power plants in the US must comply with the Clean Air Act (CAA), including National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), the Acid Rain Program, and the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR), which limit emissions of SO2, NOx, and other pollutants.
Gas-fired power generation produces significantly lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions per megawatt-hour compared to coal, making it a cleaner fossil fuel option. However, it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and is subject to regulatory oversight.