Monday night the California Energy Committee (CEC) conducted its first meeting to discuss the Oakley Generating Station (OGS). The meeting is the first in a 16 month process that will ensure the project meets the Energy Commission’s sitting requirements, as well as those of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Energy Commission is responsible for reviewing thermal electric power plants 50 MW and greater in California. If approved by the Energy Commission, construction on the project would begin in the first quarter of 2011, with full-scale commercial operation targeted for the fourth quarter of 2013.
Everyone familiar with the process was surprised with the attendance, around 100 (more than usual). The vast majority on hand were from Oakley and were in support of the project citing local job creation, 700 union jobs during construction, local economic stimulus and making sure that future energy needs can be met.
This project is a 600 megawatt power plant, that will use state-of-the-art General Electric gas turbine technology, powered by natural gas and be air cooled.
