Black & Veatch to install two 1,000MW combined cycle natural gas units in Texas

Exelon Generation has selected Black & Veatch as owner’s engineer for the installation of two 1,000MW combined cycle natural gas units in Texas. 

The units are likely to meet the growing electricity demand in Texas while reducing the amount of water used to produce power in the drought-prone state.

The units are being built at Exelon Generation’s gas-fired generating stations in Colorado Bend, southwest of Houston, and Wolf Hollow, west of Dallas. New GE 7HA.02 gas turbines are expected to make the units clean and efficient. The units will use dry cooling instead of the traditional wet cooling towers to minimize overall water usage. They are designed for rapid start-up and turndown efficiency to address varying power demands.

In 2013, Black & Veatch began providing site feasibility analysis and conceptual design services for the projects. The company also assisted in the selection of equipment suppliers. This included support with technical and commercial negotiations. As owner’s engineer, Black & Veatch’s services include engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) specification development and design support.

Gerome Randle, Exelon Power’s Vice President, South Region Operations said the Black & Veatch approach to design concept and major equipment selection saved time and money. Project construction began in January 2015. Commercial operation is scheduled for 2017.

Dean Oskvig, President and CEO of Black & Veatch’s energy business said, “The project will allow Exelon Generation to generate energy in a cost effective manner while conserving water. This is a model that can be applied to other power generation projects.”