Duke Energy today said it would retire the two remaining coal-fired units at its W.C. Beckjord Station in New Richmond, Ohio, effective Sept. 1. The units are the latest casualties of the Obama Administration’s newly proposed caps on carbon emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. Duke announced three years ago it would retire all six coal-fired units at the Beckjord station by Jan. 1, 2015. Units 1 through 4 were retired between 2011 and 2013, and unit 4 was retired earlier this year. Duke said the current Beckjord employees would be relocated to other Duke Energy plants in Ohio.
Duke will continue to operate four oil-fired combustion turbines at the site. The turbines, which can generate up to 244 megawatts of electricity, are primarily used during periods of high demand.
“Beckjord Station has been an integral part of the community and the company for more than 60 years,” said Jim Henning, president of Duke Energy Ohio and Kentucky. “After the plant is retired, we will continue to deliver safe, reliable and affordable energy to our customers and will remain a strong community partner.”
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