Duke Energy opens new gas plant in Florida
Duke Energy’s new 1,640-megawatt (MW), combined-cycle natural gas plant at the Crystal River Energy Complex in Citrus County recently began serving customers.
The plant began serving customers in two phases. The first 820-megawatt power block started running on Oct. 26, while the second 820-megawatt power block began operating on Nov. 24. Duke Energy broke ground on the facility in March 2016.
The new plant will replace generation from recent retirements, including those of two 1960s-era coal-fired units and a nuclear plant.
“The high-tech facility represents a $1.5 billion investment in Citrus County, surrounding communities and Florida – underscoring our continued commitment to our customers and the environment,” Jeff Swartz, Duke Energy’s vice president of fossil/hydro operations in Florida, said. “The station will provide a smarter energy future for Floridians by generating cleaner, more efficient energy.”
The project provided more than $600 million in economic benefits throughout construction and will provide approximately $13 million annually over the station’s 35-year operational lifetime. The project created more than 2,800 temporary construction jobs at the height of construction. About 50 permanent workers will operate and maintain the station.
The new combined-cycle natural gas units will result in a 90 percent reduction of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other emissions as compared to the retired Crystal River coal-fired units 1 and 2, Duke Energy said. The coal-fired units will formally retire in December. The demolition process is expected to continue through 2023.
