Oglethorpe Power to build biomass generation
Designed to use woody biomass the power plants will provide power to OPC's 38 member cooperatives. The plants could cost as much as $500 million each, or $5,000/kW.
The first two biomass power plants are scheduled to be built and placed into operation in 2014 and 2015. A third unit could also be completed and placed into service in 2015.
Each plant will require an annual investment of more than $30 million for fuel stock.
The power plants will be steam-electric generation stations using conventional fluidized bed boiler/steam turbine technology.
The plants will be designed to allow for the co-firing of other types of biomass, such as pecan hulls and peanut shells. There are no plans to use any fossil fuels.
Depending on the location, water would be obtained either from onsite wells, nearby surface waters, from municipal sources or grey water from nearby industries.
OPC has approximately $5 billion in assets, and serves 38 Electric Membership Corporations which, collectively, provide electricity to 4.1 million Georgia citizens. Its energy portfolio includes natural gas, hydroelectric, coal, and nuclear generating plants with a combined capacity of approximately 4,700 MW, as well as purchased power.
Related News
We Energies refiles rate hike request driven by rising nuclear power costs
MADISON - Wisconsin's largest utility company is again asking regulators to raise rates to pay for the rising cost of nuclear energy.
We Energies says it needs to collect an additional $26.5 million next year, an increase of about 3.4%.
For residential customers, that would translate to about 73 cents more per month, or an increase of about 0.7%. Commercial and industrial customers would see an increase of 1% to 1.5%, according to documents filed with the Public Service Commission.
If approved, it would be the second rate increase in as many years for about 1.1 million We Energies customers, who saw a…
