New Generating Unit
Madison Unit 3 began commercial operation February 12, 2010 and stands as the company’s largest generating unit. Among the cleanest solid-fuel units of its kind in the nation, this unit is key to Cleco’s strategy to be self-sufficient in its power supply and increase its fuel flexibility. Using a technology that can use multiple solid fuels to generate power, the 600-megawatt unit will initially use petroleum coke or pet coke, a byproduct of the oil refining industry, in its boilers. However, this unique technology, circulating fluidized-bed technology, also can use biomass as fuel. Cleco is researching woody biomass as a potential fuel since the new facility is located in a timber-rich area. Biomass is a carbon-neutral fuel that will help lower Cleco’s carbon footprint and serve as a renewable fuel source. In addition to the potential of lowering carbon emissions, the technology also addresses regulated emissions. Because the boiler firing temperature is about 1600° F, nitrogen oxides (NOx) do not form. In addition, Cleco has installed emission control systems to the boiler that further reduce NOx. Sulfur dioxide emissions are almost non-existent by adding limestone with the fuel in the boiler and scrubbers as a post-combustion control. Cleco estimates the new unit will use about 1.5 million tons of pet coke and 500,000 tons of limestone each year. Both the pet coke and limestone are barged to an off-loading facility located on the Red River. The materials are then moved to the unit by a 1.5 mile conveyor. Built at the Brame Energy Center, the unit is 100 percent owned by Cleco Power LLC. The unit is the utility’s first regulated generation project in more than 20 years and employs nearly 80 new workers. In July 2005, Cleco Power announced the planned construction of a new $1 billion, 600-megawatt solid-fuel generating unit using Circulating Fluidized-Bed Technology to diversify its fuel mix and lower electricity costs for its customers. It will be the third of two existing units at the company's Brame Energy Center in Lena near Boyce, La.
Madison Unit 3
|
|
printer
friendly page |
