Large gas turbine peaking plant emphasizes environmental protection

Washington Water Power is an investor-owned electric utility headquartered in Spokane, Washington, U.S.A., and serving portions of Washington and Idaho with primarily hydro-produced electric power. To meet increased electricity demands in the area, the utility has found it necessary to install a relatively large gas turbine peaking plant in the town of Rathdrum, Idaho, near Spokane. This plant consists of two GE Frame 7EA natural gas-fired, simple-cycle gas turbine generating units, each rated 83.5 MW. Washington Water Power decided to seek an alternate source of standby natural gas fuel. They have succeeded in making arrangements with gas utilities to store natural gas that can then be substituted for gas that would normally be cut off in the interruptible rate situation. The GE gas turbines are equipped with the latest dry low-NO{sub x} combustion systems and GE is guaranteeing 15 ppm NO{sub x} and 25 ppm CO at 100% load. A Horiba continuous emission monitoring system is installed to monitor the exhaust emissions of both gas turbines. 3 figs.