FORT COLLINS, Colo. -- A new natural gas turbine and generator arrived at Platte River Power Authority's Rawhide Energy Station site in the cold, snowy air on Monday night.
"It's nice to see that this major construction project is progressing ahead of schedule with the unpredictable weather this time of year," said Brian Moeck, general manager of Platte River. "Making sure our owner communities have reliable electricity is what Platte River is all about."
The approximately $24 million, 446 tons in combined weight, turbine and generator arrived ahead of schedule despite frigid weather and snow storms along the rail route.
The installation of the 128 MW (summer) natural gas combustion turbine (Unit F) at Rawhide comes after a year-long study by Platte River staff on generation resource needs. Population growth and resulting increase in demand for electricity within Platte River's owner communities called for a new source of electric generation. Platte River's Board of Directors reviewed the study recommendations and approved the project in 2006. Total project cost is expected to be $50 million.
After selection of the turbine model, public hearings were held, permits obtained, with the most critical coming from Colorado Air Quality Commission, without which construction could not begin. Platte River's Environmental staff worked closely with CAQC to obtain the permits in record time.
Construction is expected to be complete with Unit F in commercial operation by June 1, 2008
Platte River Power Authority generates and provides reliable, low-cost and environmentally responsible electricity to its owner communities of Estes Park, Fort Collins, Longmont and Loveland for delivery to their utility customers. Platte River's facilities are located along the Front Range, northwestern Colorado and near Medicine Bow, Wyoming.