The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has granted a request from DTE Midstream Appalachia LLC to place into service the Birdsboro Pipeline Project in Berks County, PA [CP17-409]. The 12-inch diameter, 14-mile long pipeline has the capacity to deliver 79,000 Dth/d to a 450 MW natural gas-fired power plant in Birdsboro, PA. Original plans called for one receipt point with Texas Eastern Transmission LP in Oley Township, PA. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in March issued a series of permits for Birdsboro Power LLC to begin construction of the power plant.

Minnesota-based Xcel Energy Inc. has embraced a zero-carbon future, seeking to serve 100% carbon-free electricity to its utility customers in eight states by 2050. A spokesperson for the multi-state combination utility said some room would be reserved for fossil fuel-fired power, depending on technology advances in carbon capture. Xcel also set a goal of reducing carbon emissions from its operations by 80% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.