"We could begin to run short of capacity to meet demand in 2002, if we don't conserve more and add new resources," Kessel had reported. "Looking at the out-years of 2003, 2004 and 2005, the situation only gets more precarious. It's imperative that more generating capability be added to Long Island's base supply, and that we add new tie lines to the mainland to increase our import capacity. Otherwise, we'll have problems much like California."
The new facility KeySpan and LIPA propose will be, according to LIPA spokespeople, "only the second new significant generating plant to be built on Long Island in 25 years. KeySpan will build, own and operate the plant." LIPA has agreed to purchase half the output and "KeySpan anticipates the remaining power will serve Long Island as well."
The new facility on Spagnoli Road here will be constructed on an undeveloped 31-acre parcel. The land is in an industrial area, but before KeySpan can break ground it must go through an Article X process, requiring environment review and public input.
KeySpan chairman and CEO Robert B. Catell said yesterday at the unveiling of the plans that community input and creating an environmentally friendly facility were top priorities and emphasized, "With Long Island's power generation needs growing by approximately 100 megawatts a year," the plant is necessary. The plant will add 250 megawatts, which LIPA officials say will power 250,000 homes.
The plant will be natural-gas fired; will feature combined cycle technology, which recovers waste heat in generation process and are reportedly 30% more efficient than conventional generators; and will also have current emission control technology, making it one of the cleanest in the US. "KeySpan will also explore constructing the unit with energy efficient and green building technologies" LIPA spokespeople say.
Also, an Energy Center will be constructed at the site where students can come and learn about energy conservation and clean fuel technologies. A partnership with State University at Farmingdale is being explored.
If all goes as planned, construction begins in December 2002. KeySpan hopes to have it online in 2004, just in time for LIPA's most dire predictions. This plant, however, is only one of two proposed for Long Island's future. The unveiling of the plans for the second facility, expected to be even larger than this one, will take place later this summer.
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