Power surges, the lifeblood of our modern world. The story of the Bayonne Energy Center is a tale of energy and innovation. Here at Constable Hook in Bayonne, New Jersey stands a critical power source. The Bayonne Energy Center is more than just a power plant. It represents a commitment to meeting the electricity needs of the region.
Commissioned in June 2012, the Bayonne Energy Center began as a joint venture. Hess Corporation and ArcLight Capital Partners initially collaborated on this project. Today, it is owned by a Morgan Stanley private investment fund. TigerGenCo LLC operates it.
This facility boasts a 644-megawatt capacity. It primarily runs on natural gas. If needed, it can switch to distillate fuel oil. This dual-fuel capability ensures a reliable energy supply. The plant secures its natural gas from the Transcontinental Gas Pipe Line Company.
The Bayonne Energy Center plays a crucial role in New York’s power grid. It connects to a 6.5-mile, 345-kilovolt power line. This line runs under the Upper New York Bay. It links to a Consolidated Edison substation in Gowanus, Brooklyn. This submarine cable is one of the most deeply buried of its kind. It lies 15 feet below the harbor bottom. It’s also the longest XLPE cable in the world.
The construction of this power line required extensive regulatory approvals. Applications were submitted to various New York state departments and the US Army Corps of Engineers. These permits ensured environmental protection during construction.
In 2018, the Bayonne Energy Center expanded with a 120-megawatt addition called Bayonne Energy Center II. This expansion supports the electricity needs of the New York metropolitan area. It was one of three natural gas-fired plants that came online before the Indian Point Energy Center’s closure in 2021.
Siemens Energy supplied the gas turbines and electric generators for both phases of the Bayonne Energy Center. DCO Energy provided engineering and construction services for Phase II. Ethosenergy provided operation and maintenance services for seven years.
The power generated here is sold to Consolidated Edison Co of New York through a power purchase agreement. This ensures a steady supply of electricity for the city. The Bayonne Energy Center stands as a testament to modern engineering. It highlights the ongoing efforts to provide reliable power to millions.