As proposed, the new plant is expected to increase the power generation by 550 mega watt while reducing the over all gas emission, including CO2 and the increased power would be used to meet the growing customer needs.
The company today filed for a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the N.C. Utilities Commission, under legislation signed into law in July. The petition seeks approval to build a 950MW combined-cycle natural gas plant that will replace the existing 397MW of coal-fired generation at the H.F. Lee Plant in Wayne County.
The total investment of the project is to be around 900m and is expected to be functional in 2013. Apart from the energy, the plant is expected to create more than 500 jobs over the 24 months building process.
Lloyd Yates, president and CEO of Progress Energy Carolinas, said: “This is an important milestone for our company and for our state. The Lee Plant has been producing electricity reliably and cost-effectively for our customers for more than 50 years, but as emission targets continue to change, and as legislation to reduce carbon emissions appears likely, we believe in this case, it’s in the best interest of our customers to invest in advanced-design, cleaner-burning generation for the future.
“This is the best of both worlds. Advanced technology that brings cleaner air in about three years, and an extension of the gas infrastructure to attract and retain business and industry to create jobs and economic growth for many years to come.”
