-January 6,2020-
Tulare’s 2.8MW fuel cell plant operational
FuelCell Energy launched the commercial operation of the 2.8-megawatt fuel cell project at the wastewater treatment facility in Tulare, California as of late December 2019.
The power plant is fueled by biogas, which is treated by Fuel Cell Energy’s cleanup technology that allows the plant to produce clean, renewable, carbon neutral power.
The fuel cell uses a natural chemical reaction versus a combustion approach to generate energy, which significantly reduces carbon emissions.
FuelCell Energy has executed a 20-year power purchase agreement with the local electric utility, Southern California Edison, to purchase the renewable and carbon neutral power for supply to the California electric grid.
“I am proud of our team for delivering the Tulare Biogas Project. Globally, our solution delivers renewable and affordable power at a scale that is meaningful to communities and the utilities that serve them,” Jason Few, president and CEO at FuelCell Energy, said. “In addition to the significant environmental benefits of our solution, we also support our partners by providing a negative carbon footprint that supports offset emissions from their other forms of power generation.”
Fuel Cells run on wastewater digester gas, previously burned in a flare. They generate about $3,200 worth of electricity per day.Four fuel cells cost $9.39 million. The city received $4.95 million incentive payment from Southern California Edison.
Three Rivers’ St Anthony’s Retreat goes solar
St. Anthony Retreat Center dedicated a new 2-megawatt solar array on Sunday, December 22, 2019. Bishop Joseph Brennan of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno officiated at the dedication attended by staff, donors, and community members says a report in Kaweah Commonwealth.St. Anthony Retreat dedicates
The system is designed to meet 100 percent of the energy needs at the Retreat and the adjacent Santa Teresita Youth Conference Center, which are situated on a 62-acre property in Three Rivers, Calif. That will reduce operating expenses, and the clean energy capability will continue to support St. Anthony Retreat’s expansion for many years to come.
Big Montana coal plants close
Montana’s Colstrip Units 1 and 2, one of the largest coal-fired power plants in the western U.S., will close by Jan. 5 or as soon as they run out of coal to burn reports Montana Public Radio . They will close two of its four units in coming days as the Montana facility edges toward an eventual total shutdown.
Colstrip Units 1 and 2 — built in the 1970s when massive strip mines were being developed across Montana and Wyoming
The plant employs about 300 people and is the main driver of the economy for the surrounding town of Colstrip, which has about 2,300 people. But it’s been unable to compete with surging investments into renewable energy and cheap natural gas, as the coal plant’s operating costs have risen with the need for better pollution controls.