by Mike Sharkey
Staff Writer
A hearing next month in Tallahassee will go a long way towards JEA getting approval for its proposed Greenland Energy Center on the Southside. Feb. 12 the Florida Public Service Commission will consider JEA’s petition for the center.
According to the docket, during the hearing the Public Service Commission will determine the need for the center. JEA will present evidence and testimony in support of the center, permit anyone opposed to the center to testify, permit members of the public to speak on the matter and allow for any other questioning the Commission deems necessary.
Don Gilbert, manager of electrical systems and planning for JEA, said the energy center will consist of what’s called simple cycle combine turbines. Those turbines will be powered by natural gas.
Gilbert said the energy center will be similar to the ones JEA has at its Brandy Branch site on the Westside. The new center will be on the Southside on Phillips Highway where the former Avenues driving range was located.
JEA officials say the center is needed due to the increase in demand for energy is that area of the county. Although the center can provide energy to the entire county, its primary focus will be in southern Duval County.
The site cost JEA $24.2 million and the utility could spend another $430 million on construction and equipment. That was the figure JEA provided in April. However, director of corporate planning Gregg Quick said the changing economy has made it difficult to determine precise construction costs.
“We are redoing our cost estimates,” he said.
Construction will begin as soon as possible and after the necessary approvals.
“We plan to begin construction in January of 2010,” said Gerri Boyce, spokesperson for JEA.
Gilbert said he expects the Feb. 12 hearing to go well, but it may not be the end.
“The meeting could be academic and there could be a bench rule or it could be extended until March,” he said.
Ultimately, the project also requires approval from the Department of Environmental Protection and the governor’s office.
“We could get our environmental approval in 6-8 months,” said Gilbert.
The new power plant will enhance what JEA currently has on-line. Once completed, energy generated by the new plant will be funneled to the areas of town it’s needed most. It will also complement JEA’s two solid fuel power plants that run 24 hours a day and burn pet coke and coal.
Gilbert said JEA is prepared for the Feb. 12 hearing.
“We feel pretty good about our application. We have done our due diligence. It’s in the hands of the Commission,” said Gilbert. “At this point in time we feel good.”
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