Utilizing Multiple Fuel Sources
To help meet this region’s current and future energy needs at the lowest cost possible, and to alleviate its consumer-members’ risk, ODEC thoughtfully and meticulously evaluated a variety of potential fuel sources for this facility.
ODEC has determined that a mixture of coal and biomass (wood waste) is the optimal fuel source for this power station. Both are proven to be reliable and affordable – two important factors in our decision-making process, particularly given recent price hikes and increased demand for other fuel sources, such as natural gas. Potentially, this facility will produce between 750 and 1,500 MW of energy, meaning biomass alone will power thousands of homes and businesses.
It is also important to know that this power station will use advanced-technology coal generation with lower emissions levels, and will be designed to accommodate the future addition of carbon capture technology when it becomes commercially available.
That said, ODEC continues to encourage its consumer-members to participate in its demand response and energy efficiency programs, and is continually exploring renewable energy options to further diversify the ODEC fuel source portfolio. In fact, ODEC’s member systems have purchased approximately 75 MW of hydroelectric capacity and ODEC has executed contracts to purchase 120 MW of wind energy, one MW of landfill gas power and an additional half-MW of hydroelectric power.
