bnr-Gurnsey-Power-Station
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Guernsey Power Station

1875-MW natural gas-fired plant strengthens reliability in the Appalachian Basin while supporting a lower carbon future.

Location

  • Byesville, Ohio, USA

Client

  • Gemma Power Systems

Project Status

  • Completed

Recognizing the need to reduce emissions and improve air quality in Ohio’s Appalachian Basin, Caithness Energy initiated the replacement of retiring coal plants with a state-of-the-art 1875-MW natural gas-fired facility. This strategic move not only helps lower environmental impact but also delivers more reliable power to the region.

As the largest U.S. power plant under construction at the time, Guernsey Power Station in Ohio’s Appalachian Basin required a significant amount of coordination, engineering details and design. EPC contractor Gemma Power Systems teamed with us to provide mechanical, structural, electrical, piping and startup and commissioning field support for a three-unit, single shaft, combined cycle power plant.

img-Gurnsey-Power-Station

One of the renderings designed by our team and used during construction and facility planning for this project.
Credit: WSP

Advanced technology for efficient base load power

Powered by state-of-the-art high efficiency General Electric (GE) 7HA.02 combustion turbines, Guernsey delivers more efficient base load capacity with a lower impact on the surrounding area — including better air quality — than similarly sized coal-fired plants. Each of the three GE units were identical, so the team used an innovative 3D modeling tool to develop a design for a single unit, then replicated it for the other two units, which kept the project schedule on track.

With the new design and larger, high-efficient turbines, the plant reduces emissions by 40% and generates up to 50% more electricity, providing additional reliability to support Caithness’ lower emissions targets. The plant also uses approximately 95% less water than comparable plants.

Less CO2 than equivalent coal-fired plants
40%
Reduced water usage
95%
GE 7HA.02 combustion turbines
3

Resilience in action

Our team successfully used precision grout injection to stabilize voids left by a historic coal mine, ensuring a secure foundation for the facility and a safe environment for its workforce. In addition, we helped Gemma navigate supply chain delays and a compressed schedule.

Other challenges that we have overcome