Essex Generating Station
| Company type | Power plant |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electricity generation |
| Founded | 1915 |
| Defunct | 2022 |
| Headquarters | Newark, New Jersey , United States |
| Products | Electricity |
| Owner | PSE&G |
The Essex Generating Station was a peaking power plant situated along the Passaic River, approximately three miles east of Downtown Newark, New Jersey. This facility played an important role in the state's energy landscape, transitioning from its origins as a coal-powered station to a contemporary peaking plant before ceasing operations in 2022. Its development mirrors wider transformations in electricity generation and grid management, although it also posed environmental concerns for Newark and adjacent neighborhoods. Matters involving pollution control, regulatory adherence, and environmental justice have shaped local governance and spurred community advocacy.
Positioned within the Ironbound district—recognized as an environmental justice zone impacted by numerous pollution sources including fossil fuel installations and a large waste incinerator—the plant released hazardous air contaminants such as 1,3-butadiene, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, albeit at comparatively low concentrations.
Owned by PSE&G, construction of the station took place from 1915 to 1916. By 1924, six generators were installed with a total capacity of 214,444 kva. The facility operated four simple cycle combustion turbine units delivering a combined output of 617 MW; three units commenced operation in 1971 followed by a fourth in 1990. These turbines were eventually upgraded.
The site suffered considerable damage during Hurricane Sandy, underscoring the susceptibility of essential infrastructure to severe weather events. This event led to major investments aimed at enhancing grid resilience and implementing flood defense strategies in subsequent years.
The Essex Generating Station was integrated into the PJM Interconnection, which forms part of the larger Eastern Interconnection electrical transmission network.
Historical pollution and violations
Environmental challenges have marked the history of the Essex Generating Station. In 1973, the EPA examined allegations concerning improper disposal of roof tar alongside a self-reported oil spill. By 1976, inspectors from the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission witnessed PSE&G personnel releasing oily wastewater from manholes onto surrounding soil, resulting in contamination of the Passaic River. Despite commitments to improve waste handling practices, incidents involving kerosene leaks and surface oil sheens continued, prompting intervention by state law enforcement.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Essex facility was identified as a notable pollution contributor within EPA Superfund investigations. Consequently, PSE&G was requested to engage in remediation activities as part of the Lower Passaic River Project.