Imagine a giant, humming machine. That’s the Fore River Energy Center. It stands here in North Weymouth Massachusetts. This isn’t just any power plant. It’s a key player in New England’s energy market.
The Fore River Energy Center started operations in 2003. It was built on the site of the old Charles L. Edgar Station. That original station was built way back in 1923.
Calpine Corporation now runs the Fore River Energy Center since 2014. They bought it from Exelon for $530 million. That’s about $655 per kilowatt.
This plant uses a combined-cycle system. It has two combustion turbines. It also features two heat recovery steam generators. And finally, one steam turbine. This setup lets it produce up to 809 megawatts. Some sources say it is even 872 megawatts.
The Fore River Energy Center can run on two kinds of fuel. It primarily uses natural gas. But it can also use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel oil. This dual-fuel ability is important. It allows the plant to adapt to changing market conditions. One of the turbines can already switch between fuels. The company planned to make another turbine dual-fuel capable too.
All the power from the Fore River Energy Center goes into the wholesale market. ISO-New England manages this market. This ensures the power gets to where it’s needed most.
Calpine saw the Fore River Energy Center as a strategic asset. They wanted to increase their presence in New England. The plant supports reliability in the region. It also increases value for Calpine’s shareholders.
So next time you flip a light switch think about this place. The Fore River Energy Center quietly works. It keeps the lights on across New England.