Built at a cost of $1 billion near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the 1,050 MW Fairview Energy Center is “the first and only facility of its scale in the world to possess high content ethane blending with natural gas capabilities,” the operator stressed.
Through GE’s DLN2.6+ AFS combustion system, CPV Fairview can switch to using ethane when the cost of natural gas increases. This fuel flexibility helps reduce operating costs without compromising emissions or efficiency.
Gary Lambert, CPV chief executive, said “completion of commissioning with 25 percent ethane mixed with natural gas at our Fairview Energy Center, making it the first plant of its kind as well as one of the most efficient combined-cycle power plants in the world.”
Blending local gas and ethane
CVP and Osaka Gas, the co-developers of the Fairview Energy Center, pronounced the CCGT in December 2019 to be “fully operational on budget and significantly ahead of schedule.” The peaking power plant is driven by GE's 7HA.02 gas turbines, capable to deliver full power to the grid in 60 minutes or less.
“By utilizing blends of locally sourced natural gas and ethane, CPV Fairview will be unique in the industry for efficient performance, enhanced economics, and operational flexibility,” said Tom Dreisbach, 60 Hertz Product Line Leader for GE Gas Power. The CCGT uses GE Digital’s Operations Performance Management (OPM) software to run more efficiently and increase fuel flexibility.
Situated an 86-acre former brownfield site, CPV Fairview uses regionally sourced natural gas and ethane. It also uses industrial raw water for cooling purposes, which can be reused, to boost its green energy credentials.
Headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, CPV has ownership interest in 4.2 GW of clean generation across the United States. In addition the company manages more than 9,300 MW of fossil and renewable energy assets.