Charles Poletti Power Project
| Company type | Power generation facility |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy |
| Predecessor | Astoria 6 |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Fate | Decommissioned |
| Successor | Astoria Energy plant |
| Headquarters | Queens , United States |
Area served | New York City |
| Products | Electricity generation |
The Charles Poletti Power Project was an 885-megawatt power generation facility fueled by oil and natural gas located in northwestern Queens. Initially designated Astoria 6, it was named in honor of politician Charles Poletti. The plant commenced operations in 1977 and began a gradual shutdown process in 2002. It was succeeded by the more environmentally friendly Astoria Energy plant on the same premises, which started functioning in 2005. Due to legal challenges and local resistance, the original plant ceased operations in 2010. It had been recognized as one of the most polluting power stations in the state and was linked to elevated asthma incidence rates in the surrounding Astoria neighborhood. In 2021, New York State authorized the installation of a 100-megawatt battery storage system, known as the East River Storage System, aimed at supporting renewable energy storage at this location.
History
Initially known as Astoria 6, the facility was acquired by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) from Consolidated Edison during its construction phase in 1974. Named after NYPA trustee Charles Poletti, it began producing electricity in 1977 and had transitioned to dual-fuel capability by 1980. Over several decades, its heavy dependence on oil resulted in considerable environmental pollution. In 2002, NYPA entered into an agreement with state and municipal authorities to phase out this plant by reducing its output and developing a new 500-megawatt natural gas-fired facility nearby, which became operational in December 2005.
Today, two power plants—Astoria Energy I and II—are active on the site, collectively generating close to 1.2 gigawatts. Both utilize GE 7FA gas turbines; one is paired with an Alstom steam turbine while the other operates alongside a GE D11 steam turbine. Although these plants still rely on fossil fuels, they rank among the most efficient of their kind nationwide, consuming significantly less fuel compared to their predecessor.
In 2021, approval was granted by state regulators for a 100-megawatt battery storage system at this site to facilitate clean energy storage and improve grid stability.
Controversy
The power station encountered strong opposition from local residents due to its pollution levels, which led to the area being dubbed "Asthma Alley." According to the Environmental Protection Agency, emissions from the Poletti plant exceeded those from all combined sources across Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island, and The Bronx. George Stamatiades, president of the Central Astoria Local Development Coalition, remarked that no birds nested in Astoria because of the high pollution. Tony Gigantiello, head of the Coalition Helping to Organize a Kleaner Environment (CHOKE), initiated legal action aimed at shutting down the facility. City councilman Peter Vallone Jr. described it as "probably the dirtiest plant in the state during its operation" and referred to it as "an unsightly eyesore."
A separate 500 MW peaker plant operated by NRG Energy on the same grounds since 1999 employed Pratt & Whitney gas turbines from the 1970s. This plant was slated for closure in May 2023 after findings by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation indicated its emissions violated provisions of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. NRG proposed replacing it with modern turbines intended to operate through 2040; however, these plans were rejected by state authorities. A revised proposal featuring a single turbine also faced intense criticism from community members and State Senator Michael Gianaris, who labeled it "destructive." Subsequently, the property was sold to Beacon Wind Energy for USD $215.5 million to facilitate an offshore wind farm interconnection—marking a significant advancement for clean energy initiatives. Coinciding with the plant’s decommissioning on May 1, 2023, a new six-mile transmission line connecting Rainey and Corona substations was inaugurated, eliminating demand for additional capacity from this site.