Technology from Mitsubishi Hitachi Power System Will Help Reduce Air Emissions per Megawatt Hour by up to 85%
Lake Mary, FL (DateTK) – Danskammer Energy, LLC, today announced it has selected Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems (MHPS) to supply the world’s most efficient gas turbine – the M501JAC gas turbine – for the repowering of the existing Danskammer facility in Newburgh, NY. The new natural gas–fired combined-cycle electric generation unit is expected to help reduce air emissions by as much as 85 percent on a per megawatt hour basis from current levels while generating approximately 535 MW of baseload generating capacity.
“Once the project receives regulatory approvals and the Danskammer Repowering project is complete, we will be able to efficiently produce more power for New Yorkers while reducing air emissions,” said William Reid, Chief Executive Officer of Danskammer Energy. “We now have an operating power plant that was built in the 50’s. The new MHPS technology will improve the environmental profile of the plant in a number of ways, including ceasing the use of Hudson River water for cooling, and reducing air emissions by up to 85 percent.”
The $400 million project, which includes replacing the existing equipment with modern combined cycle generating technology, will also significantly reduce the amount of natural gas required to produce a unit of electric power output. The existing plant uses low efficiency gas-fired boilers to power steam turbine generators. It has operated as a peaking facility due to its relative inefficiency and high fuel costs. The new facility will also incorporate quick-start, fast-ramping technology that is designed to provide the New York Independent System Operator greater flexibility to add more intermittent power sources like wind and solar power.
“As New York deals with plant retirements and massive additions of new renewable power, the repowering of Danskammer Energy with our JAC combined cycle technology is a perfect fit,” said Paul Browning, President & CEO of MHPS Americas. “We can provide low emissions and reliable and affordable base load power to replace lost generation from retirements in the short term, while providing the flexibility to partner with new intermittent renewable generation in the future. MHPS is helping Danskammer deliver a Change in Power for the State of New York.”
Specifically, the renewed Danskammer Energy Center will:
- At its peak, produce 450 construction jobs for up to 2 ½ years while maintaining more than 30 existing, high-skilled jobs in Orange County and the Town of Newburgh;
- Continue to provide economic sustainability to local governments and schools through tax payments and revenue that support vital services;
- Support a revitalized and renewable energy–focused New York State electric grid by providing lower-carbon, reliable and efficient power to the region;
- Reduce water consumption and potential aquatic impacts due to elimination of “once-through” cooling system; and
- Displace less efficient generation by providing a flexible generating source that is more responsive to real-time market conditions and offers lower emissions per megawatt hour produced.
Plans call for the new plant to begin commercial operation in 2023.
About Danskammer:
The Danskammer Generating Station has provided electricity to the lower Hudson Valley and the New
York State electric grid for more than 65 years and currently produces 511 megawatts of electricity utilizing natural gas as the primary fuel source. The facility has been an important part of the community and plays a key role in helping New York State meet its energy requirements during times of peak demand. Danskammer was purchased by Tiger Infrastructure and Agate Power in December 2017. To learn more visit www.danskammerenergy.com
About Tiger Infrastructure:
Tiger Infrastructure Partners is a middle-market private equity firm that invests in growing infrastructure platforms. The firm targets investments in communications, energy, transportation, and related sectors, primarily located in North America and Europe. For more information visit: www.tigerinfrastructure.com.
About Agate Power:
Agate Power is a privately held U.S. independent power company. The firm is focused on developing, acquiring and managing investments in the power sector. To learn more about Agate Power, visit www.agatepower.com