Reported in T&D World
Astoria Generating Co. and Siemens signed a contract for the turnkey construction of two SeaFloat power barges to be equipped with eight Siemens SGT-A65 gas turbines. The barges will replace four existing power barges located at Gowanus Generating Station in the Upper Bay of Brooklyn, New York City, resulting in cleaner, more efficient energy production.
Siemens will preinstall the high-efficiency power generating facilities on two newly constructed floating barges with a generation capacity of about 300 MW each. Retrofitting the station with SGT-A65 gas turbines and generators will improve the plants’ power generating efficiency by nearly 50% while significantly reducing potential emissions of pollutants like carbon dioxide and monoxide — all while using the existing gas infrastructure.
New York’s Demanding Energy Market
As New York’s energy market changes, transitioning to more intermittent energy sources, New York City needs to maintain the reliability of its power supply while reducing potential emissions. The city — with more than 8.5 million inhabitants — is moving to obtain 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. When solar and wind power can’t meet the need, quick-start peaking units like the Gowanus Generating Station will become even more important, especially in congested areas like Southwest Brooklyn. The new units will provide that reliability while reducing emissions and offering the flexibility to move the barges as needed.
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The four-barge Gowanus Station, with a current generation capacity of 640 MW, was originally installed in the early 1970s and is approaching the end of its service life. By replacing these barges with two modern floating power barges provided by Siemens, Astoria Generating Co. will be able to retire the existing barges — reducing the total number of barges from four to two — and also retire two barges at the nearby Narrows Generating Station. Siemens will deliver eight SGT-A65 gas turbine generating sets — four on each barge — along with a Siemens control system. The turbines will run on natural gas as their primary fuel.
Siemens and Astoria also signed a contract for a 20-year long-term service agreement that will help support the gas turbines’ and generators’ optimal operating efficiency. The contract includes service on parts, repairs, field services, program management, and offerings from Siemens’ Omnivise Digital Services portfolio, including remote monitoring and diagnostics.
“As a holistic solution, the new SeaFloat power barges will help reduce potential emissions in New York City and provide a reliable power supply by helping keep the local grid stable,” said Karim Amin, CEO of power generation at Siemens Gas and Power. “SeaFloat combines the advantages of our high-quality proven power plant technology with the mobility and flexibility that’s required in peak consumption periods.”
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