Conemaugh Generating Station
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Energy |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Headquarters | New Florence , United States |
| Products | Electricity |
Number of employees | 200 |
| Parent | GenOn Energy Inc. (part of NRG Energy) |
The Conemaugh Generating Station is a coal-powered baseload facility with a capacity of 1,872 MW, situated on the opposite side of the Conemaugh River from New Florence in Western Pennsylvania. The Norfolk Southern Pittsburgh rail line runs alongside the plant.
Due to new federal wastewater regulations prohibiting coal-fired plants from releasing hazardous substances such as mercury, arsenic, and selenium into water bodies, the station is planned to cease operations by December 31, 2028. This regulation also impacts the Keystone Generating Station along with at least 24 other facilities across 14 states.
Facility
Conemaugh produces sufficient electricity to illuminate roughly 17 million bulbs rated at 100 watts each. The station comprises two steam turbines that entered service in 1970 and 1971, respectively, each powered by a pair of 850 MWe boilers operating year-round and reaching heights equivalent to a 14-story building. Annually, the plant burns over four million tons of coal.
Water used for cooling and condensing steam is recirculated through two hyperbolic natural draft cooling towers, significantly reducing reliance on river water. Positioned near Pennsylvania’s rich coal mining regions, Conemaugh shares design similarities with the Keystone Generating Station and is partly owned by PSEG Power.
Emission Controls
To mitigate air pollution, the facility employs electrostatic precipitators combined with low-NOx burners. In the mid-1990s, a wet limestone flue-gas desulfurization system was installed. Furthermore, the plant contributed a natural area known as Buttermilk Falls to Indiana County to support wildlife conservation efforts.
Company
With an employment level of about 200 individuals, the station stands as one of the major employers within Indiana County. It functions as a subsidiary under GenOn Energy Inc., which is itself part of NRG Energy.
Water Pollution
Following a court decision in 2011 addressing 8,684 violations of the Clean Water Act related to wastewater discharges into the Conemaugh River, GenOn consented to a $5 million settlement. Of this amount, $3.75 million was designated for restoration projects along the river.