Guernsey Power Station, equipped with GE Vernova turbines, enhances PJM’s power supply by utilizing Ohio’s shale gas, replacing retired coal plants, and supporting grid stability.
The Guernsey Power Station in southeastern Ohio is playing a vital role in maintaining the power supply for the PJM Interconnection, a regional grid operator serving 13 states, including Ohio. With coal plants being retired and energy demand rising, this facility is a much-needed solution. The power station, operated by Caithness Energy, harnesses natural gas from nearby shale plays, such as the Marcellus and Utica formations, which helps meet the region’s growing energy needs.
Replacing Retired Coal Plants
The power plant, which came online in June 2023, offers a modern, efficient alternative to coal-fired plants. Caithness Energy’s 1,875-MW Guernsey Power Station is now one of the largest gas-fired plants in the U.S. and serves as a model for new generation capacity. It’s part of the ongoing effort to replace aging coal-fired units in the PJM Interconnection, which could lead to power shortfalls if not addressed. The PJM territory relies on flexible, reliable power sources, and Guernsey’s efficient natural gas generation is the answer.
Advanced GE Vernova Technology
Guernsey features three GE Vernova 7HA.02 gas turbines in a combined-cycle configuration. These turbines are known for their high efficiency, with up to 64% combined-cycle efficiency, which helps minimize environmental impacts while maximizing power output. The advanced technology helps the plant run more efficiently than older plants, which is crucial as environmental regulations tighten across the U.S.
GE Vernova also provides 20-year services to maintain the facility, offering predictive analytics through its Asset Performance Management (APM) software. This ensures that Guernsey operates smoothly, anticipating potential problems before they cause downtime, further boosting grid reliability.
Local Benefits and Environmental Impact
This project is more than just a power plant. The Guernsey Power Station has made a significant impact on the local economy, employing nearly 1,000 skilled workers at peak construction and creating around 30 permanent high-tech jobs. Local communities have also benefited, receiving financial support for schools, fire departments, and non-profit organizations. The Rolling Hills Local School District was even able to start a major construction project thanks to funds from the station.
In addition to economic benefits, the plant has an environmental edge. It uses dry air cooling technology that reduces water usage by 95% compared to traditional cooling systems, making it a more sustainable option for the region. This reduction in water consumption is significant, especially for areas that may face water shortages.
Supporting Grid Stability Amid Energy Transition
As the U.S. transitions from coal to more renewable energy sources like wind and solar, the Guernsey Power Station is crucial in supporting grid stability. Renewable sources can be intermittent, so having a reliable gas-fired plant that can ramp up to full load in 10 minutes ensures there’s enough power when demand spikes or when renewables can’t meet the load.
Caithness Energy’s president, Ross Ain, highlighted how this project is a prime example of modern technology supporting the energy transition. He emphasized the need for flexible, clean gas-fired plants to replace older, less-efficient units as coal plants continue to close across the U.S. PJM’s decision to incorporate natural gas generation like Guernsey’s is helping to ensure future reliability, especially as energy demand grows.
Financial Backing and Overcoming Challenges
Building such a massive project came with its challenges, from abandoned coal mines beneath the site to the global COVID-19 pandemic, which caused labor and supply chain delays. Despite these obstacles, Guernsey was completed with minimal impact on its timeline.
The $1.6 billion in financing for Guernsey came from major investors, including Investec Bank, BlackRock, and AMP Capital. The construction was handled by Gemma Power Systems, with numerous Ohio-based subcontractors lending their expertise.
The Guernsey Power Station is a game-changer for the PJM region. By utilizing Ohio’s natural gas resources and incorporating cutting-edge technology from GE Vernova, this facility is helping the U.S. transition to cleaner, more efficient energy while supporting local communities and ensuring grid reliability. As more coal plants retire, facilities like Guernsey will be essential for keeping the lights on in Ohio and beyond.