Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Applauds Decertification of Georgia Power's Unit 3 at Plant Mitchell

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Applauds Decertification of Georgia Power's Unit 3 at Plant Mitchell

Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) applauds Georgia Power Company's announcement today requesting that the Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) approve the retirement of Unit 3 at Plant Mitchell in Albany, GA and withdraw its certification for conversion to biomass.

In 2009, Georgia's PSC, with SACE support, approved a certification for converting the existing 155 MW coal-fired unit to a 96 MW biomass fuel-fired electric generating station. Unfortunately, various economic circumstances have changed, including low natural gas prices and the continuing recession, rendering the biomass conversion project less financially viable.

Fortunately, the cost-effectiveness of energy efficiency, solar and wind technologies has improved during this time. Recently, the Georgia Public Service Commission has shown tremendous leadership in supporting the growth of renewable resources, particularly solar, and they also voted earlier this week to extend the timeline for biomass facilities.

"We welcome Georgia Power's decision to request decertification that will close a dirty coal unit," said Anne Blair, SACE clean fuels director. "We remain supportive of modest bioenergy, when it relies upon sustainable biomass sources, and is appropriately sized, sited and controlled. This move may open new opportunities for more energy efficiency, solar and wind in Georgia Power's system. We hope that the Public Service Commissioners will support this request."