The oldest fossil plant in SCE&G’s system celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004. Urquhart Station generates 650 megawatts of electricity by burning pulverized coal and natural gas in its five units. At full load, Urquhart Station can produce enough power in one hour to provide the average electric needs of 650 residential customers for one month. It can also generate 50 megawatts of electricity from natural gas combustion turbines.
Environmental Initiatives
- The plant converted two of its coal-fired units into combined-cycle operation, fueled by clean-burning natural gas, in 2002. The cost of the repowering project was more than $240 million. Nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions and sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions have been reduced substantially.
- To reduce the amount of nitrous oxide gases even further, separated overfire air (SOFA) technology was installed on unit 3, which is coal-fired, in 2005. The total cost was more than $2 million. The boiler also has low-NOx burners, installed in the late 1990s.
- Unit 3 is equipped with electrostatic precipitators that remove 99 percent of fly ash from the combustion process.
- The plant's cooling system is designed for minimal thermal impact on the Savannah River. Water used in secondary cooling systems is passed through settling and treatment ponds and is returned to the river in a cleaner condition than when originally withdrawn.
Plant Facts
- Located near Augusta, in Aiken County S.C.
- Generates 650 megawatts of electricity.
- Began commercial operation in 1953.
- Burns approximately 130 tons of coal per hour when operating at full load.
- Pays approximately $0.9 million in property taxes annually.
- Employs 81 employees.
