The world's first conversion of a nuclear power plant to a gas fired cogeneration plant will start commercial operations in the first quarter.
Midland Cogeneration Venture (MCV) is a limited partnership led by a unit of CMS Energy Corp. to convert the former Midland, Mich., nuclear plant to a gas fired, combined cycle cogeneration plant (OGJ, June 20, 1988, p. 26).
At first it will burn about 167 MMcfd of gas to produce 1.37 million kw of electricity and 1.35 million lb/hr of process steam.
Construction on the project is about 85% complete and start-up testing about 82% complete.
The plant's first eight gas turbines and Unit 1 steam turbine are expected to begin commercial operation next month. The last four gas turbines will follow on line in the spring.
1989 MILESTONES
MCV logged these milestones in 1989 toward full start-up this year:
- Construction of a 26 mile, 26 in. pipeline to deliver gas to the plant (OGJ, May 15, 1989, p. 24).
- Signing of an agreement with the Utility Workers Union of America covering the plant's operating employees.
- Receipt of all 12 gas turbine generators and modules for 12 heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs).
- Test firing of six gas turbines and synchronizing their operation to the state's electrical grid.
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approval to move gas to the plant.
- Issuance of a discharge permit by the Michigan Water Resources Commission, the final environmental permit required for operation.
- Setting the last of 12 exhaust stacks.
- Rolling the Unit 1 steam turbine with steam from the HRSGs.
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