Talen Energy to close coal-generation plants in transition to renewables

Talen Energy will eliminate the use of coal at all of its facilities as part of an effort to reposition its power generation fleet.

The company, which provides energy for customers in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Texas, is closing its Montour generation facility in Pennsylvania and its Brandon Shores and H.A. Wagner coal generation facilities in Maryland by the end of 2025 and repower pending approvals by state agencies. These facilities join Talen’s Brunner Island generation facility in Pennsylvania, which previously committed to the transition from coal by the end of 2028.

“Talen is pleased to play a leading role in driving toward a lower carbon future. We are among the first in the competitive power generation industry to commit to an accelerated transition from coal. This step, coupled with our ESG infrastructure investments, are good for our business and all our stakeholders, including the communities in which our plants are located. By moving to repower these sites for the future, we maintain our longstanding economic commitment to our communities while also providing the environmental benefits of a lower carbon footprint. This balance is a direct reflection of our “No Harm” culture,” Ralph Alexander, chairman and CEO for Talen Energy, said. “Talen is grateful to the Sierra Club for their relationship as we position for a sustainable future.”

As part of its transition plan, Talen is developing renewable energy and battery storage projects at strategic locations across its asset portfolio.

“Talen’s move away from coal and future growth will be underpinned by approximately one Gigawatt of renewable energy (solar and wind) and battery storage projects currently under development across our existing asset footprint,” Alex Hernandez, president of Talen Energy, said. “Our first 100-megawatt solar generation joint project will be located adjacent to our Montour generation facility in Washingtonville, Pennsylvania. We anticipate the project will break ground in the fourth quarter of 2021 and be one of the largest renewable energy investments in the Commonwealth.”

Customers are looking for clean power offerings that meet their reliability and cost requirements, Hernandez said.

“Talen’s combination of renewables, zero-carbon nuclear, and battery storage assets will provide a clean, affordable, and reliable power solution to our customers,” Hernandez added.