The New York State Public Service Commission has approved $1.4 billion natural gas-fired power plant, which will have 1,000MW electric generating capacity in Dutchess County, New York.
The commission granted a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Cricket Valley Energy Center LLC for the construction of a combined cycle, natural gas-powered electric generating facility on an inactive industrial site located in the town of Dover.
The approval includes construction of two 700 feet long, on-site, overhead 345kV lines, which will help to interconnect the facility with the existing Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Incorporated’s 345kV electrical transmission line located adjacent to the northern property line of the project.
According to Cricket Valley Energy Center, the new facility could replace older, dirtier power plants and help to displace some of their harmful greenhouse gas emissions. The company estimates that the project will directly create about 300 construction jobs and 28 permanent jobs during operation.
GE will supply its latest 7FA gas turbine technology and the steam turbines for the project. GE will manufacture the steam turbine and generators in Schenectady, New York and the gas turbines will be manufactured in Greenville, South Carolina. The construction work on the project is expected to begin in 2014.