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The Oak Creek Power Plant expansion includes the construction of two 615-megawatt coal-fueled generating units. These units will be equipped with state-of-the-art emission-control technology available, making our Oak Creek facility one of the cleanest plants of its type in the United States.
Construction of the Oak Creek expansion project began on June 29, 2005, and is on schedule to begin operation of Unit 1 in 2009 and Unit 2 in 2010. Currently, there are approximately 2,100 people working on-site. The overall project is approximately 50 percent complete. For more information on construction activities click here.
Bechtel Power Corporation has been contracted for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) services of the Oak Creek expansion. As the contractor, Bechtel Power Corporation is signatory to the Project Labor Agreement. For more information on jobs click here.
The case for coal at Oak Creek
Oak Creek is a baseload plant, which means it is designed for non-stop operation. Fuel diversity provides our customers with a balanced energy mix, which results in more affordable and reliable energy. Coal is the best choice for baseload operations for several reasons:
Technology
Advancements in coal combustion technology and environmental controls will result in a clean, efficient and reliable facility.
Supply
Coal is readily available in North America, with proven reserves exceeding 200 years at present consumption levels.
Price stability
Coal prices have increased only about 4 percent in the past 20 years. Steady coal prices help stabilize long-term energy costs for consumers.
Environmental impact
By 2013, Oak Creek emissions will be reduced from 2000 levels by approximately 60 percent. The plant’s supercritical pulverized coal units will increase efficiency by operating at higher pressures and temperatures, resulting in fewer emissions. The emissions reductions extend beyond the new units at Oak Creek. We are taking steps to improve the environmental performance at all of our power plants by investing millions of dollars in environmental controls.
Our Power the Future plan announced in 2000 included voluntary equipment improvements systemwide. We also reached agreements with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further reduce air emissions. The result will be a reduction of emissions systemwide of more than 65 percent by 2013, while at the same time generating 50 percent more electricity. More important, our commitments will mean cleaner air for southeastern Wisconsin.
Air-quality monitoring
Installation of two air-monitoring stations are part of an agreement we have with the city of Oak Creek. One station monitors dust and fine particles, and will continue to gather data throughout the construction work and after the units begin operating.
The second station monitors sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide. Air quality and weather data from the stations are reported quarterly to the city and to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Cooling Water System and Water Intake Structure
As part of the expansion, a new cooling water intake system is being constructed. Advantages of the new system and structure:
- Greater energy efficiency, using less coal per unit of electricity produced.
- Reduced air emissions, including carbon dioxide.
- Less cost to build and operate.
- Reduced coal combustion by-products.
- Avoided water loss impact of cooling tower vapor plume.
- Access to public shoreline fishing.
Community involvement
Continued dialogue with residents will occur through meetings, newsletters and personal visits. We will meet with groups to address specific issues. Questions about the project can be directed at any time to Linda Sodemann at 414-221-3033 or by e-mail to linda.sodemann@we-energies.com.
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