Virginian power plant ready for commercial push

After four years of construction the US-based Virginia City Hybrid Energy Centre went into commercial operation this July.

The centre has been named as one of the cleanest coal-fired power stations in the country as the $1.8 billion (€1.4 billion) circulating fluidised bed project also uses waste coal and biomass to generate up to 585MW of electricity.

CEO of plant owner Dominion Generation, David Christian, was quoted as saying: ‘Virginia City is an important addition to our diverse energy mix that has kept our rates reasonable for our customers. The use of low-cost waste coal and biomass will result in the unit having favourable economics, bringing savings to customers. The power station also has proven to be an economic booster shot for Southwest Virginia.’

During construction the Centre employed almost 2,400 workers and will directly employ 84 people as it aims to supply power to around 145,000 homes at peak times.