Tenaska Pennsylvania Partners has commenced construction on the 925MW Tenaska Westmoreland natural gas-fueled power plant near Smithton in Pennsylvania, US.
Tenaska Pennsylvania Partners owns the project. Tenaska Pennsylvania Partners comprises affiliates of Tenaska and Diamond Generating, a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Mitsubishi.
The plant is being built in South Huntingdon Township, Westmoreland County and will feature two Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems’ M501J turbines and generators. Construction of Tenaska Westmoreland is planned to be completed in late 2018.
The power plant, which will feature advanced, high efficiency turbine technology and a recycled water cooling process, will generate electricity required to power 925,000 homes.
Black & Veatch is the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor for the project.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Community and Economic Development Dennis Davin said: “Natural gas production is an important industry in Pennsylvania and is one that not only creates direct employment but also stimulates the economy and fosters additional jobs through its support of related, downstream businesses.
“On behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Department of Community and Economic Development, it’s an honor to welcome Tenaska to Westmoreland County and to break ground on a project that is sure to be a significant contributor to the vitality of the region and beyond.”
The Westmoreland plant is expected to help in setting a new cost of electricity (COE) standard for the PJM region upon completion.