Newport Generation Inc. last Monday said it plans to build a 1,300 MW power plant in Rathdrum, ID, 32 miles northeast of Spokane, WA.

Upon completion in 2004, the $550 million natural gas-fired combined cycle plant will generate electricity equivalent to that required to meet the needs of a city the size of Seattle. Newport Northwest LLC, the Pacific Northwest affiliate of Newport Generation, will manage the development activities of the proposed project.

The Kootenai Power Project is planned for a portion of a 320-acre site adjacent to a new 250 MW power plant currently under construction and owned by Avista Energy Inc. and Cogentrix. “Rathdrum is an ideal location for energy development, since its proximity to key transmission infrastructure is unique,” said Scott Noll, vice president of development with Newport Generation. “Both a Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) electric transmission line and a PG&E Gas Transmission Northwest natural gas pipeline intersect the site.”

PG&E’s National Energy Group in March announced the winning bidders in a recent open season for expansion capacity on its Gas Transmission-Northwest pipeline system (see NGI, March 26). Newport Northwest LLC and Calpine were previously awarded 200,000 Dth/d of firm transportation capacity that will be available in 2002.

Newport Northwest has been actively involved in regional power project development over the past year and currently is developing a similar power plant, the Wallula Power Project, in western Walla Walla County, WA.

Established in February 2000, Newport Generation is an independent power producer with offices in Southern California and Charlottesville, VA.

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