The Birchwood Power Station was a 242 MW coal-fired power plant which ceased generation in 2021. The plant, owned by J-POWER, had started operation in 1996, and will be converted to a solar generation and energy storage facility.

Technology

The new project will be comprised of 50 MWac of solar generation and 190 MWac of energy storage. Construction will start in 2022 with commercial operations slated for 2023, The project will be jointly developed by J-POWER USA and funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group.

The new project will connect to existing transmission infrastructure, allowing J-POWER to continue to supply electricity to the local community.

Approach

• 1996: Birchwood Power Station started operations.

• 2021: Power Plant was retired following end of 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.

• Mid/End 2021: Start of demolition and decommissioning work.

• 2022: New site construction start.

• 2023: Expected commercial operations of new solar and storage facility.