MONCKS CORNER, S.C. – The Santee Cooper Board of Directors today approved the planned expansion of the Rainey Generating Station as a Shared Resource with Central Electric Power Cooperative.
The expansion will add approximately 180 megawatts (MW) of capacity to Rainey Station without requiring additional natural gas to generate the additional capacity – and without increasing the emission rate.
The combined cycle conversion project involves installing two heat recovery steam generators, a steam turbine generator and other components to capture the waste heat from two existing simple-cycle units and use that heat to generate additional electricity. The project requires approval from the Public Service Commission, and construction is expected to take three years.
“This combined cycle conversion project will play a vital role in ensuring reliable power for our growing population,” said Jimmy Staton, president and CEO. “By utilizing an existing site, it adds much-needed capacity without increasing fuel costs or emissions rates, aligning with our commitment to affordability, sustainability and efficiency.”
Central Electric Power Cooperative President and CEO Rob Hochstetler, who heads the utility supplying power to the state’s electric cooperatives and serving as Santee Cooper’s largest customer, noted the importance of South Carolina power providers bringing additional generation resources online.
“This project illustrates how Santee Cooper and South Carolina’s electric cooperatives are working collaboratively to meet our state’s growing energy needs,” said Hochstetler. “Our staff and board studied this project at length, and we agree with Santee Cooper’s conclusion that expanding the Rainey Generating Station is a smart, cost-effective and environmentally responsible way to expand a key source of reliable energy.”