Cos Cob Project
POWERING CONNECTICUT WITH NRG
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NRG's Proposed Cos Cob Project |
NRG’s Cos Cob Project will provide an additional
40 megawatts (MW) of clean, reliable power—
enough to power over 30,000 homes—to an area
of the state where it is difficult to import electricity.
This project will reduce emissions and noise, as
well as enhance the site’s appearance. The total
hours of operation for the facility are not expected
to increase. Additionally, the two new units will
help keep power available in the local area on
warm summer days, when the energy demand is
at its highest. Finally, the additional capacity in this transmission-constrained area will help moderate
wholesale electricity costs.
Located in Greenwich, the Cos Cob facility is powered by three Pratt & Whitney FT4A9 LF gas turbines that run on jet fuel. The fuel is transported to the site and stored in an above ground storage tank located on the property.
State authorities have identified a strong need to meet the growing demand for energy.
“Customer demand for electricity continues to grow faster
in the Stamford/Norwalk area [which includes Greenwich],
than any other area of the state.”
—NORTHEAST UTILITIES
“Connecticut and Southwest Connecticut specifically face particular and immediate threats to the reliable and efficient provision of electric service.”
—CONNECTICUT ENERGY PLAN FRAMEWORK, 2005
These Cos Cob units provide much-needed electricity and are the "last line of defense" to keep the lights on in Southwest Connecticut. They provide critical reliability services to the state and local community.
The Plant
NRG will add two additional Pratt & Whitney FT4 gas turbines, the same type of units on site now, between the existing three units. The size and footprint of the site will not increase. As part of the redevelopment, all five turbines will now operate on ultra low sulfur fuel, reducing sulfur dioxide emission rates by 97 percent. Additionally, the new units will use water injection technology to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 70 percent, making the Cos Cob Project an integral part of the state’s effort to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s ozone standard. NRG will modernize and consolidate the existing control equipment to incorporate the new units and complete all renovations within the existing boundaries of the site.
Site Appearance
NRG will significantly enhance the appearance of the Cos Cob facility by adding new year-round foliage and a visually appealing fence to act as a screen. Additionally, making the plant buildings a softer color and removing the protruding filter housing on one of the units will result in a more uniform and less prominent view.
Noise Mitigation
The new units will have superior sound-resistant housings. By installing a sound barrier, NRG will reduce the overall noise level for our closest neighbor by five decibels — even with the addition of two new turbines.
As a result of our renovations, our neighbors on Sound Shore Drive will enjoy increased electrical generation capacity with reduced emissions, less noise and a more attractive facility.
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