By Quin Welch, Building Kentucky
East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) recently held a public meeting to gather public input for projects designed to keep the lights on for Kentuckians.
One project EKPC spoke with local residents about was its planned upgrade of John Sherman Cooper Power Station, also known as Cooper Station. As energy demands continue to grow in Kentucky, EKPC is committed to ensuring its owner-members have the power they need to keep the lights on for Kentuckians. That’s why EKPC is adding a new 745 MW natural gas combined cycle unit to boost power generation.
“We are seeing load growth rise at a rate that justifies the need for the combined cycle at Cooper Station,” said Brad Young, EKPC Vice President of Engineering and Construction. “We see voltage support needs that the combined cycle will really fit in well to support that growth.”
The project will dramatically increase the amount of power that Cooper Station produces.
“The combined cycle unit at Cooper Station will effectively triple the generating capacity of that power plant,” said Nick Comer, EKPC External Affairs Manager.
EKPC also had information available on converting a Cooper Station coal unit to use both coal, natural gas. EKPC plans to convert the existing coal-fueled unit at Cooper Unit #2 to enable it to use both coal and natural gas as fuel. This conversion will ensure continued compliance with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s greenhouse gas rule and protect one of EKPC’s most dependable electric-generating resources. If EKPC takes no compliance action, the unit must close by 2032. This $73.8 million project will protect generating capacity while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Beginning in spring 2025, EKPC will also begin work to close a former impoundment at Cooper Station where coal ash was placed decades ago. EKPC will consolidate the ash into a 40-acre area, then cap that area with a geomembrane liner and two feet of soil. EKPC will construct stormwater controls around the perimeter to divert stormwater away from the former impoundment. EKPC is undertaking this $47.2 million project to protect the environment.
Representatives from EKPC met with members of the Pulaski County community to explain the goals of the projects and to hear residents’ concerns.
To learn more about the Cooper Station project and EKPC’s other projects, head to https://www.ekpc.coop/new-generation.
