Wildcat Point natural gas-powered plant now operational
A new natural gas-powered electric plant called Wildcat Point in Maryland is now fully operational and producing energy for the neighboring state of Delaware.
The facility is owned and operated by Old Dominion Electric Cooperative (ODEC) as well as partial owner Delaware Electric Cooperative.
Wildcat Point is providing clean, affordable, and sustainable energy to members of Delaware Electric Cooperative as well as 10 other nonprofit utilities in Maryland and Virginia.
“This new power plant is capable of producing 1,000 megawatts of electricity — that’s enough energy to power about 390,000 homes. Natural gas is also a cleaner source of power than other fossil fuels, meaning Wildcat Point will reduce the Co-op’s carbon footprint,” Bill Andrew, resident and CEO of Delaware Electric Cooperative, said.
The new natural gas plant diversifies Delaware Electric Cooperative’s portfolio of energy sources, which includes nuclear, coal, natural gas, landfill gas, wind, and solar. DEC owns and operates a 20-acre solar energy farm and is purchasing energy produced at a gas-to-energy facility at the Delaware Solid Waste Authority’s Sandtown landfill.
The Wildcat Point plant is one of the most efficient power stations in the country as it uses powerful turbines to generate electricity. It created 600 temporary construction jobs and 30 permanent positions.
Delaware Electric Cooperative is a member-owned electric utility serving 95,000 member-owners in Kent and Sussex County, Del.
