A proposed natural gas-fired repowering project, stalled in 2011, has been restarted by the California Energy Commission (CEC) for NRG Energy Inc.’s 100-acre Encina generation facility in Carlsbad, CA. NRG proposes to build a 558 MW gas-fired combined-cycle plant on part of the existing site (see Daily GPI, July 5, 2011; May 23, 2011). The CEC granted a motion from the Center for Biological Diversity to reopen the proceeding and hear new evidence about environmental concerns, which has been completed. NRG plans to build the $500 million gas-fired plant on 23 acres of the existing Encina site and to retire three existing steam boiler units when the Carlsbad Energy Center project becomes operational.
Restarted
Articles from Restarted
Pennsylvania Impact Fee Still Questionable
Pennsylvania lawmakers have restarted discussions about imposing an impact fee on natural gas operators by removing the fee from legislation introduced earlier this year.
Pennsylvania Moves Fee Bill Without Fee
Pennsylvania lawmakers have restarted discussions about imposing an impact fee on natural gas operators by removing the fee from legislation introduced earlier this year.
Marcellus, Eagle Ford to Fuel Dow Chemical Expansion
Dow Chemical Co. on Thursday launched an ambitious plan to increase ethylene and propylene production, as well as integrate U.S. operations into feedstock “opportunities” by using the prolific shale gas resources of the Marcellus and Eagle Ford shales.
Industry Briefs
Mariner Energy said it restarted about 50 MMcfe/d of gas production from its Ochre and Pluto deepwater Gulf of Mexico projects, which were shut in because of hurricane activity last year and in 2004. Ochre, located in Mississippi Canyon Block 66, was shut in following Hurricane Ivan. Production has been restored at about 10.5 MMcfe/d. Mariner operates Ochre with a 75% working interest and Stone Energy has a 25% working interest. Pluto, located in Mississippi Canyon Block 718, was shut in for the drilling and completion of a new well. Start-up was delayed due to Hurricane Katrina. Production from Pluto has recommenced and the well is currently producing at a gross rate of 40 MMcfe/d. Mariner expects to achieve a gross production rate in the range of 40-50 MMcfe/d. Mariner operates Pluto with a 51% working interest and W&T Offshore has a 49% working interest. Mariner estimates that most of its remaining production shut in due to the damage caused by the 2005 hurricanes will recommence during the fourth quarter of 2006.
Industry Briefs
Mariner Energy said it restarted about 50 MMcfe/d of gas production from its Ochre and Pluto deepwater Gulf of Mexico projects, which were shut in because of hurricane activity last year and in 2004. Ochre, located in Mississippi Canyon Block 66, was shut in following Hurricane Ivan. Production has been restored at about 10.5 MMcfe/d. Mariner operates Ochre with a 75% working interest and Stone Energy has a 25% working interest. Pluto, located in Mississippi Canyon Block 718, was shut in for the drilling and completion of a new well. Start-up was delayed due to Hurricane Katrina. Production from Pluto has recommenced and the well is currently producing at a gross rate of 40 MMcfe/d. Mariner expects to achieve a gross production rate in the range of 40-50 MMcfe/d. Mariner operates Pluto with a 51% working interest and W&T Offshore has a 49% working interest. Mariner estimates that most of its remaining production shut in due to the damage caused by the 2005 hurricanes will recommence during the fourth quarter of 2006.
Despite Gloomy Predictions, Canadian Export Growth Continues
Canadian natural gas exports to the United States continued to grow last winter following a growth track that was restarted during the last contract year, data from the National Energy Board (NEB) show. Canadian pipeline exports climbed by 8.5% during the first four months of the new contract year that ends Oct. 31, according to NEB records.
BP Canada’s Ethane Fire Reduced, Some Pipes Restarted
The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) last week assumed the lead role to direct operations following the uncontrolled release Aug. 26 of storage cavern ethane and the resulting fire from two wellheads at BP Canada’s natural gas liquids plant near Fort Saskatchewan, AB. While there were no reported injuries, EUB said the incident is “impacting other petroleum operations within the province involving both upstream natural gas liquids production and downstream natural gas liquids product use.”
Industry Briefs
Columbia Energy Group has restarted its open market sharerepurchase program, with the concurrence of NiSource Inc. Theprogram had been suspended since October, when Columbia’s boardauthorized the company’s management to explore strategicalternatives to enhance shareholder value. Under the recommencedprogram, originally authorized by Columbia’s board of directors in1999, Columbia may repurchase up to $300 million of common shares.Columbia and NiSource signed a definitive merger agreement on Feb.27. The merger, subject to approval by shareholders and regulatoryagencies, is expected to be completed by the end of 2000. Therepurchase program authorizes Columbia Energy Group to makepurchases in the open market or otherwise.