TXU Electric & Gas, Dallas, a unit of TXU Corp., has selected FPL Energy LLC to build, own, and operate 242 wind turbines in West Texas with generating capacity of 160 Mw. Under the contract, FPL Energy will provide about 500 million kw-hr/year of electricity to TXU customers by the third quarter of 2001. FPL Energy, the independent power production subsidiary of FPL Group Inc., currently operates wind farms in 5 states, with 974 Mw of capacity and net FPL Energy ownership of 587 Mw. The company expects to add 500-1,000 Mw of wind energy projects by the end of 2001.
American Superconductor Corp. and Rockwell Automation, a unit of Rockwell International Corp., reported the successful demonstration of a 1,000 hp, high-temperature superconducting (HTS) motor. This new motor was designed to utilize HTS wires instead of copper wires on the rotating shaft of the motor. American Superconductor studies indicate the key benefits of using HTS wires are significant reductions in size and manufacturing costs of industrial and ship propulsion motors and increases in electrical efficiency. American Superconductor HTS wires are able to carry more than 100 times the power of copper wires with the same dimensions, said CEO Greg Yurek. Industry experts estimate that the current market for industrial motors with power ratings of at least 1,000 hp is about $1 billion/year worldwide. The market for electric generators over 30 Mw, which involve the same fundamental technology as motors, is approximately $2 billion/year worldwide, the companies said.
Essential.com reported electricity service to customers in Philadelphia and eastern Pennsylvania will be available through a retail supplier relationship with Exelon Energy, a division of PECO Energy Co. Exelon Energy will provide Essential.com with its initial electricity supply offering for eastern Pennsylvania customers within the PECO service territory of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and York counties.
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has issued an order authorizing Independence Pipeline Co. to construct and operate a new interstate natural gas pipeline to serve Ohio, Pennsylvania, and the eastern US. Independence Pipeline is a general partnership formed by subsidiaries of Coastal Corp. subsidiary ANR Pipeline Co., Williams's Transco pipeline and National Fuel Gas Co. The $678 million Independence pipeline will consist of approximately 400 mi of 36-in. diameter pipe, extending from ANR's existing compressor station at Defiance, Ohio, to Williams's Transco's and National Fuel's facilities in Leidy, Pa. It will have an initial capacity of 916 MMcfd with service scheduled to begin in November 2002.
Mexico's Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) has signed a 25-year power purchase agreement with InterGen affiliate, Energia Azteca X, S. de R.L. de CV for the Rosarito power facility, InterGen reported. The agreement stipulates Energia Azteca will deliver 489 Mw/year to CFE. The remaining power will be sold in the US. The facility will be constructed near Mexicali, Baja California Norte. Construction is expected to begin in April 2001 and be completed by April 1, 2003. InterGen is a Shell-Bechtel venture.