Austin Energy Generation Plan Additions (2010 – 2020)
(Indicative Costs from contract estimate or mid-point of projected cost of technology)
Resource additions that are proceeding on schedule:
Natural Gas – Add 300 MW
2010: OPERATIONAL 100 MW gas combustion turbines ($165/MWh)
2015: FUNDING APPROVED 200 MW natural gas CC plant ($85/MWh)
Biomass – Add 150 MW
2012: IN CONSTRUCTION 100 MW biomass plant ($140/MWh)
(no action yet taken on 50 MW biomass addition specified for 2016)
Resource additions that are Delayed or On-Hold indefinitely:
Solar – Add 200 MW
2010: DELAYED adding 30 MW Webberville solar plant ($165/MWh)
(no action yet taken on 6 other solar additions totaling 170 MW)
Wind – Add 765 MW
2011: NO ACTION adding 200 MW of wind ($60/MWh)
(no action yet taken on 4 other wind additions totaling 565 MW)
Of the 16 resource additions specified in the Generation Plan conditionally approved by Council on April 22, 2010, the only projects moving forward and on schedule are three expensive power plants that burn carbon. All zero emission wind and solar resources are delayed or indefinitely on-hold, even though wind power is the lowest cost generation in the plan.
If striving for “clean”, AE & Council are prioritizing the wrong resources.
If striving for “local”, AE & Council are prioritizing the wrong resources.
If striving for “affordable”, AE & Council are prioritizing the wrong resources.
