In a bid to accelerate clean power generation, EL Paso Electric (EPE) has reportedly selected Mitsubishi Power Ltd.’s 228 MW ‘SmartER’ gas turbine as part of its energy supply resource plan. The gas turbine will empower the company to triple its renewable energy product portfolio and decrease carbon footprint.
Sources cite that the new turbine named ‘SmartER M501GAC’ will replace the company’s three less reliable and less efficient units. In addition, the new gas turbine is also hydrogen-ready for future deep decarbonization. With this move, the company joins an increasing list of utilities developing future economic value for their communities with Mitsubishi’s renewable energy portfolio.
EPE’s move to select SmartER M501GAC highlights its commitment to offering sustainable, responsible energy to meet the requirements of its growing region, while safeguarding the environment. The company is adding around 200 megawatts of solar power and 50 megawatts of battery storage simultaneously. It is depending on the gas turbine’s quick dispatch capability to efficiently respond to the intermittence of these renewables.
The SmartER’s fast ramp rate and quick startup will assure the grid stability and enable it to maximize power generation. Renewable resources combined with the gas turbine are anticipated to save 600 million gallons of water every year, which is a pivotal resource in the company’s arid region.
Speaking on which, Paul Browning, CEO and President at Mitsubishi Power Americas reportedly said that similar to their customers throughout the US, El Paso is replacing carbon-producing assets with a combination of natural gas, storage, and renewables to cope up with the increasing demand for affordable, reliable, and cleaner electricity.
The company’s gas turbine would enable EPE’s current decarbonization plan, combining effortlessly with the utility’s green energy sources, Mr. Browning said, while adding that its clean hydrogen compatibility offers a way toward a future with zero-carbon emissions.
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