As our member communities continue to grow, the demand for reliable and affordable electricity is more critical than ever. To ensure we meet this demand, UAMPS has identified the need for a new base-load resource to replace the coal-based power plants that are projected to be decommissioned. While coal-based resources have reliably served our communities for decades, their impending retirement necessitates the construction of new, highly efficient, and reliable power generation facilities.
UAMPS has determined that using natural gas-fired base load generation is essential for creating a robust and dependable foundation upon which renewable energy sources can be layered. This strategic approach will ensure a flexible, cost-efficient, and reliable energy portfolio. By integrating natural gas-fired generation, we can enhance grid stability, support our commitment to sustainability, and secure a resilient energy future for all UAMPS members, guaranteeing a consistent and dependable electricity supply for our growing communities.
Project Overview
The Power County Combined-Cycle Plant is slated to be a state-of-the-art 360 MW frame-style combined cycle generation plant, equipped with an advanced system that includes both a gas turbine and a steam turbine. This system maximizes energy output by capturing and utilizing the waste heat from the gas turbine to produce additional electricity with a steam turbine.
Planned for Power County, Idaho, a region historically connected to electricity generation, the plant will continue this legacy by playing an essential role in power generation. The proposed plant would generate additional property tax revenue for the county, providing essential funds to improve local roads, schools, and services, while also creating 10-20 permanent jobs, increasing economic growth and community wellbeing.
Efficient Land Use for a Sustainable Future
The proposed plant prioritizes efficient land use and environmental stewardship, meticulously designed to balance community needs with ecological considerations. Utilizing 40-60 acres for operations and an additional 10-20 acres during construction, the plant maximizes efficiency while minimizing its physical footprint. This strategic design ensures a balance between development and environmental stewardship, causing minimal disruption to the surrounding area while delivering reliable energy.
To put this into perspective, achieving the same power output with solar systems would necessitate over 2,000 acres of land—50 times more than what is needed for our combined cycle plant. By opting for a combined cycle plant, we not only conserve valuable land resources but also reduce the impact on natural landscapes, leaving more space available for agricultural use, recreational areas, and other community development projects.
Maximizing Efficiency, Minimizing Impact
A combined cycle natural gas generation system produces fewer emissions than coal due to higher efficiency, cleaner fuel, and lower carbon content. It maximizes energy extraction through a dual-turbine process, achieving efficiency rates of 50-60% compared to coal's 33-40%. Natural gas, primarily methane, burns cleaner and produces about 50% less CO2 than coal, while advanced technologies in combined cycle plants further reduce emissions of pollutants.
By opting for a more compact and efficient solution, we significantly minimize the impact on natural landscapes and preserve valuable water resources compared to traditional methods. The proposed plant employs an air-cooled system, which uses four times less water per megawatt-hour than coal-fired plants, resulting in annual savings of millions of gallons of water. This innovative approach is crucial for conserving water resources in the region. It underscores our commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management, ensuring that we meet our energy needs without compromising the ecological balance and water availability for future generations.
Economically Viable and Future-Focused
Natural gas plants offer a cost-effective solution with significantly lower initial capital costs compared to nuclear and coal-fired power plants. This economic advantage, coupled with the shorter construction times and flexibility in operation, makes them an economically viable option for meeting the growing energy demands of our communities without compromising on financial prudence.
Combined cycle plants offer flexibility in fuel usage, allowing them to adapt to various fuels, including renewable natural gas and hydrogen. This adaptability enhances their operational flexibility, supports sustainability goals, and ensures long-term viability in an evolving energy landscape. This flexibility ensures their long-term viability as energy markets evolve and new technologies emerge, allowing us to stay ahead in the transition to more sustainable energy sources.
A Path to Stability and Sustainability
In today’s rapidly evolving energy landscape, base load power is essential for maintaining the balance between electricity supply and demand. Base load power plants are crucial in ensuring a stable and consistent level of electricity generation, allowing essential services and industries to operate without interruption. This uninterrupted power supply is vital for maintaining the reliability and efficiency necessary for our daily lives and economic stability.
Natural gas plants possess the unique flexibility to integrate seamlessly with renewable energy sources like wind and solar. This integration creates a balance within the energy grid, allowing it to adapt to varying power needs efficiently. By supporting renewable energy, natural gas plants contribute significantly to a sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
Investing in new natural gas plants allows UAMPS to leverage existing infrastructure, reducing implementation timelines and maintaining affordability for member communities. This strategic approach ensures that we can deliver dependable and cost-effective energy solutions swiftly and efficiently. UAMPS’ commitment to environmental responsibility and community support is at the core of this investment, aligning with our mission to meet the growing energy needs of our communities.
