The 580 MW Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Co. nuclear projectin Haddam, CT, may be converted to burn natural gas on or before itis decommissioned if engineering studies now underway indicate sucha conversion is feasible.

The Connecticut Yankee board of directors-citing variouseconomic reasons-voted in December 1996 to permanently shut downand decommission the 28-year old plant.

The conversion idea is being fueled by both the town of Haddam,which is concerned about its eroding tax base, and the eightutilities that own at least part of the plant. Haddam officialshired a consultant, D.B. Grogan Associates, to study the idea.

The electric utility with the largest share of the plant,Northeast Utilities, hired another, unnamed consultant. Theanalysis of each is expected to be complete by April. The town hassuggested a 700-MW gas-fired project be developed at the site.

A number of options are possible. The current owners coulddecide to undertake the conversion or they could bid out the siteto an independent power producer. Conversions of similar powerplants have taken place in the U.S. The Tennessee valley Authoritycurrently is studying a similar conversion.

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