District’s nuclear plant is undertaking a power uprate project that will add approximately 75 megawatts
– By Mark McFadden –
By 2013, the Omaha Public Power District will need to increase its baseload power supply to meet continuing growth in customer demand for electricity. That was the message given to OPPD’s Board of Directors. The baseload power will complement OPPD’s goal of greatly increasing its use of renewable energy to generate electricity. That goal was announced last month.
To meet the growing demand for reliable power, the district’s nuclear plant is undertaking a power uprate project that will add approximately 75 megawatts of carbon-free generation. Engineers say the project represents the lowest-cost option to the district for additional baseload power.
Baseload power is the minimum amount of power that the district delivers — or is required by customers — over a given period of time, at a steady rate. Baseload equipment operates around-the-clock, year-round.
Engineers project that significant equipment replacements and upgrades will be needed to implement the project at Fort Calhoun Station, which is located about 20 miles north of Omaha.
Today, the Board voted to authorize management to negotiate and enter into contracts for equipment replacements, necessary upgrades and possible new equipment. The estimated cost of the various contracts is $9,324,000.
Meanwhile, the Board also authorized management to negotiate and award a contract to Invensys Process Systems of Plano, Texas, to replace Fort Calhoun Station’s turbine control system. The contract estimate for replacement of the necessary hardware and software is $2,829,000.
In other action, the Board also:
* authorized the district to issue and sell the 2009 Series A Electric System Revenue Bonds in an amount up to $85 million.
* authorized management to award a contract for $1,626,901 to Southeastern Mechanical Services, Inc. of St. Petersburg, Florida, for removal and replacement of the low temperature superheater in North Omaha Station Unit 1.
* approved a compensation adjustment for Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer David J. Bannister.February 12, 2009