This is the long-awaited update of their earlier report on how WV can comply with the Clean Power Plan.  They used the Synapse Energy Clean Power Plan Planning Tool, an ExCel-based spreadsheet tool. Based on the newer targets in EPA's Final CPP Rule, it is difficult for WV to comply without new gas.  Their scenarios include 5-15 % EE by 2030, 2.8 - 4.4 % non-hydor renewables by 2030, natural gas co-firing at two coal plants and 1235 MW of new natural gas by 2020 (a 750 MW gas plant in Brooke County and a 550 MW gas plant in Clarksburg are currently "under consideration" by Energy Solutions Consortium of New York).  These are in addition to the 595 MW coming on line from the Moundsville plant in 2018.  Under their scenarios, electricity exports would continue at 2012 levels through 2030.

The full report (68 pages) is available at:

http://www.downstreamstrategies.com/documents/reports_publication/expanding-econ-opps-clean-power-plan_final_7-21-16.pdf

I think we need a detailed review of this report, as I would prefer we not make the mistake of major investments in fossil fuels.


Whaddya Tink?

JBK