Dear Indiana DG Readers:
Given the issuance of this RFP by IPL for 600 MWs of new power, you would think there should be a discussion of how best to meet these new power needs due to the retirement of their coal-fired units. What role should renewable energy and distributed generation play? So if IPL doesn't like solar PV anymore then what about some additional cogeneration or combined heat and power (CHP)? We know they can't build a 600 MW wind farm in Indianapolis but there may be other options. More when I get a chance to review the RFP.
What do you think? Please share your thoughts with other IndianaDG readers?
Laura Ann Arnold
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InsideINdianaBusiness.com Report
Indianapolis Power & Light Co. is planning to retire some coal-fired generation operations in the next several years. The utility has issued a request for proposals to replace the power generated by its Eagle Valley and Harding Street stations. That includes the possibility of building a new 600 megawatt gas-fired power plant.
IPL is also considering purchasing existing facilities. Responses to the request for proposals are due in September.
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July 9, 2012
News Release
Indianapolis, IN - - Indianapolis Power & Light Company (IPL) today issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for 600 megawatts (MW) of gas-fired combined cycle generation beginning in June 2017. The RFP is intended to provide IPL with possible options to replace a like amount of existing coal-fired generation at its Eagle Valley and Harding Street stations that is likely to be retired over the next several years.
In conjunction with the RFP and consistent with the company’s Integrated Resource Plan, IPL is evaluating whether to build a 600MW natural gas-fired combined cycle unit in the Central Indianapolis area.
In addition to the RFP and self-build options, IPL is also considering purchasing existing power plants or some combination of these options.
“The combination of current and expected environmental regulations make it likely that IPL will retire several of our existing coal-fired, smaller and older generating units within the next several years,” said Ken Zagzebski, CEO of IPL. “To ensure our customers continue to receive safe, reliable and affordable power, we are studying a variety of available options for new power generation. The issuance of this RFP is the next step in that process.”
Reponses to the RFP must be submitted on or before September 10, 2012.
Source: Indianapolis Power & Light