Duke Energy commissions 1,640MW Citrus County power plant in Florida

Duke Energy’s 1.64GW Citrus County power plant in Florida has entered into full operations following the commissioning of the second gas-fired power unit of 820MW capacity.

Citrus County power plant in Florida

The combined-cycle natural gas plant, which is capable of providing power to 1.8 million customers, has been constructed with an investment of $1.5 billion. The new gas-fired power plant is housed in the 2.27GW Crystal River Energy Complex located in Crystal River on Florida’s Gulf Coast, about 136.8km north of Tampa.

Made up of two Mitsubishi Model 501GAC combustible turbine generators of 820MW each, the Citrus County power plant broke ground more than two years ago. The power plant in Florida involved more than 2,800 construction workers. While the first unit was placed into service in October, the second one entered into operations in late November.

About 50 permanent employees will take care of the operations and maintenance of the Citrus County power plant, said Duke Energy.

Citrus County power plant in Florida owned by Duke Energy. Photo courtesy of Duke Energy Corporation.

The Citrus County power plant features two power blocks with each of them made up of a couple of combustion turbines and a steam generator. According to Duke Energy, the new gas-fired power plant will reduce the levels of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and other emissions by 90% in comparison to the two running coal power units of the Crystal River Energy Complex.

Commenting on the Citrus County power plant in Florida, Jeff Swartz – vice president of fossil/hydro operations in Florida, Duke Energy, said: “The high-tech facility represents a $1.5 billion investment in Citrus County, surrounding communities and Florida – underscoring our continued commitment to our customers and the environment.

“The station will provide a smarter energy future for Floridians by generating cleaner, more efficient energy.”

The natural gas to the Citrus County power plant is supplied by the $3.2 billion Sabal Trail pipeline, an underground natural gas pipeline between Alabama to central Florida in which Duke Energy has a stake of 7.5%.

With the full commissioning of the new gas-fired power plant completed, Duke Energy will move ahead with the retirement of the operating coal-fired units 1 and 2 of the Crystal River Energy Complex as announced before. While the two coal power units will be retired in December, their demolition process is likely to go on up to 2023.