POINT OF ROCKS — PacifiCorp has begun work to upgrade emission control systems on units 3 and 4 of the company’s Jim Bridger power plant, located about 35 miles east of Rock Springs, Wyoming.
In response to a call for competitive bids, a contract was awarded to Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group, Inc. and The Perry Group, Ltd., to design and construct two selective catalytic reduction (SCR) systems and associated equipment.
SCR systems reduce nitrogen oxides (NOx) from a power plant’s emissions and keep units in compliance with state and federal air quality regulations. This is part of a long-term requirement to invest in equipment designed to reduce emissions at the plant. During 2005-2010 combustion improvement technologies (low-NOx burners with over-fire air) were installed on units 1-4 resulting in a 55 percent reduction in nitrogen oxide emissions. The installation of SCR on units 3 and 4 will result in an additional 12 percent reduction—bringing the total nitrogen oxide reduction to 67 percent since 2004.
“PacifiCorp is committed to strict compliance with all environmental regulations,” said Chad Teply, vice president of resource development and construction at PacifiCorp. “We have engaged in vigorous discussions with the Environmental Protection Agency concerning the impacts of these regulations on the price our customers pay for electricity. Through this process, a more workable policy in Wyoming has been achieved.
“Since 2006, we have reduced overall nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 40 percent company-wide, during a time when electric generation output was rising to meet consumer needs,” added Teply.
Excavation and foundation work is underway for the additional emission controls on the two coal-fueled units, which are capable of generating a combined 1,057 net megawatts of power. Commercial operation of the SCR for Bridger Unit 3 is scheduled for the end of 2015, with Unit 4 to follow by the end of 2016.
The cost of the installation of these systems is confidential at this point, but was disclosed to utility regulators in the states PacifiCorp serves. The Wyoming Public Service Commission granted a certificate of convenience and necessity for the project in May 2013, noting that PacifiCorp “has carried its burdens of proof and persuasion to demonstrate that SCR installation is the most preferable option.”
While making prudent investments in coal plants is in the best interests of customers, PacifiCorp continues to diversify its mix of energy resources. Since 2000, all of its newly constructed power plants have been either natural gas or wind-powered generation. The company is the second-largest rate-regulated utility owner of wind power in the U.S. Much of its wind capacity is located in Wyoming.
-From a Rocky Mountain Power Press Release
