OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Jan. 2, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A power plant designed to meet the real-time variations that occur in customers' electricity usage began commercial operation on December 30. Port Westward Unit 2, a 220-megawatt facility near Clatskanie, Oregon, will provide peaking service as well as help integrate increasing levels of wind and solar power for Portland General Electric (PGE) customers. The addition of the plant is part of PGE's balanced energy portfolio.
A joint venture led by Black & Veatch provided engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for the $300 million facility, excluding the amount of funds used during construction (AFDC). Harder Mechanical Contractors of Oregon is Black & Veatch's joint venture partner.
"With the growing amount of variable renewable power coming online, a flexible resource like Port Westward Unit 2 is an essential component in helping us continue to provide reliable service to our customers in an increasingly complex environment," said Jim Piro, PGE's President and CEO.
The plant is powered by 12 Wärtsilä 18V50SG natural gas fueled engines. The engines deliver high efficiency and flexible power output. They also can start and stop frequently without affecting the maintenance schedule. This is effective for peak usage and integrating wind power on the grid.
"The plant uses advanced technology that efficiently increases flexibility while maintaining emissions control. It also supports PGE's commitment to integrate wind resources and provide customers with cost-effective clean energy," said Dean Oskvig, President and CEO of Black & Veatch's energy business.
***
Editor's Notes:
- The EPC project was delivered ahead of schedule by the Columbia River Power Constructors joint venture, which includes Black & Veatch and Harder Mechanical Contractors.
- The construction aspects of the EPC project began in the first quarter of 2013.
- The 12 Wärtsilä 18V50SG natural gas fueled engines are 18.7 megawatts each.
- The allowance for funds used during construction (AFDC) is the amount of costs and debt and equity financing capitalized for financial statement purposes and recovered in customer prices after the asset is placed in service.
- Download photos of the plant
- B-roll of construction
- Time-lapse video of construction
About Portland General Electric Company
Portland General Electric, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is a fully integrated electric utility that serves approximately 843,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. In 2014, PGE celebrated 125 years of powering Oregon. Visit PortlandGeneral.com.
About Black & Veatch
Black & Veatch is an employee-owned, global leader in building critical human infrastructure in Energy, Water, Telecommunications and Government Services. Since 1915, we have helped our clients improve the lives of people in over 100 countries through consulting, engineering, construction, operations and program management. Our revenues in 2013 were US$3.6 billion. Follow us on www.bv.com and in social media.