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GWF Energy LLC Seeks Approval to Upgrade Tracy Peaker Plant

Posted on: Monday, 21 July 2008, 18:00 CDT

California-based GWF Energy LLC has announced plans to convert the Tracy Peaker Plant to a 314 MW combined cycle facility. An Application for Certification (AFC) for GWF Tracy was submitted on July 18, 2008 to the California Energy Commission (CEC) requesting approval to upgrade the Tracy Peaker Plant. The conversion will improve energy efficiency and reduce air emissions while increasing the generation capacity of the facility. GWF Tracy will be located at the existing site of the Tracy Peaker Plant located west of Tracy on West Schulte Road. The facility will occupy 16.4 acres within GWF's existing property and will connect to PG&E's existing 115,000-volt transmission lines and PG&E's existing natural gas pipeline, both of which are located adjacent to the site.

"The proposed conversion reflects GWF's commitment to meeting California's future energy needs with reliable, clean and cost-effective energy," said Duane Nelsen, President and CEO of GWF Energy LLC. "Our decision to invest in state-of-the-art technologies that will utilize significantly less water, in combination with clean-burning natural gas turbines and air pollution control equipment that will significantly reduce air emissions, will make this facility a cost effective and environmentally friendly source of energy for residents of Northern California."

The natural gas fired facility will utilize dry cooling technology that will use 97% percent less water than a facility with a conventional water cooling system which would result in a fresh water savings of approximately 2,300 acre-feet/year. Compared with older plants, the converted facility will emit 31% less greenhouse gases for every megawatt of electricity generated.

Once the CEC staff determines that GWF's AFC application is complete, the official yearlong review process will begin. As lead agency, the CEC will work with environmental and governmental agencies in conducting its review and will hold local workshops and hearings to encourage community participation. "We encourage local residents to participate in the public comment process," said Nelsen.

If approved, construction of GWF Tracy could begin in early spring of 2010 and be completed in late spring of 2012. Local communities will benefit from the purchase of materials and services both during construction and operations, new job opportunities and a significant increase in property tax payments to San Joaquin County. When completed, the facility will employ 16 new full time employees.

Since 1989, GWF Power Systems Company, Inc. and GWF Energy LLC has constructed, owned and/or operated 9 power plants/cogeneration facilities in California with a combined generation capacity of approximately 500 megawatts -- including the Tracy Peaker Plant.

Source: Business Wire

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