HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Environmental Protection today approved Conectiv Energy's air plan proposal. The decision will allow the company to construct a combined cycle electric generating facility in Peach Bottom Township, York County.
A combined cycle facility uses a fuel-efficient process that generates electricity in combustion turbines and uses the hot exhaust to create water vapor, which then is used to generate additional electricity in a steam turbine.
"Unlike traditional electricity generation, this technology harnesses heat that otherwise would be wasted, bringing about significant air quality improvements," DEP's Southcentral Regional Director Rachel Diamond said.
The proposed facility will have an overall nominal maximum generation capacity of 1,100 megawatts of electricity, which is enough to serve more than 800,000 residential customers. The primary fuel will be natural gas.
The department's air permits are issued in two phases. The first phase is an approval to construct - known as a plan approval. The second and final phase - known as an operating permit - is only issued after the newly built facility demonstrates that it can be operated in compliance with the requirements outlined in the plan approval.
Additional site-specific permits need to be acquired by Conectiv Energy from the department before construction can begin on this project.
A draft plan approval was issued in December 2005. A public hearing was held Dec. 7, 2005. After review of the comments received, modifications were made to the draft plan and they are reflected in plan approval. They include a requirement to use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel rather than low sulfur No. 2 fuel as a back-up fuel, a reduction in NOX emissions, and a reduction in the ammonia emissions rate.
CONTACT: John Repetz
(717) 705-4904
Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
