Here, looming before us, stands the Brandon Shores Generating Station. This electric power plant has been a fixture of the Anne Arundel County skyline for decades. Brandon Shores Generating Station is located near Glen Burnie Maryland.
The Brandon Shores Generating Station has a rich history. Unit 1 went online in May 1984. Unit 2 followed in May 1991. For years, it has generated electricity for the region. The plant is operated by Raven Power Holdings.
Look up at those towering stacks. The tallest one stretches 700 feet into the sky. That is over 210 meters. The smaller stack reaches 400 feet. That is about 120 meters. These stacks are essential parts of the plant’s operation.
Brandon Shores Generating Station is a coal-fired plant. It burns bituminous coal to create power. Both Brandon Shores and the Wagner Generating Stations consume about 4.8 million tons of coal annually. The coal arrives by barge. There is a railroad spur, but it is not currently in use.
Once upon a time, Constellation Energy disposed of fly ash. This happened at a former sand and gravel mine in Gambrills Maryland. The fly ash contaminated the groundwater with heavy metals. This led to environmental violations. The Maryland Department of the Environment fined Constellation Energy one million dollars. Nearby residents sued the company and received a 54 million dollar settlement.
Between 2007 and 2010, the Brandon Shores Generating Station underwent a major renovation. This was to reduce emissions. They built a new 400-foot stack to replace the existing 700-foot one. The flue gas system scrubs exhaust with a limestone slurry. The system collects gypsum and fly ash.
Originally, Constellation Energy built the Brandon Shores Generating Station. Exelon bought Constellation in 2012. Later that year, Exelon sold Brandon Shores to Raven Power Holdings for 400 million dollars.
Talen Energy announced plans to stop burning coal at the Brandon Shores and Wagner plants by the end of 2025. The plants will be converted to use alternative fuel sources. However, grid operator PJM Interconnection has concerns. Shutting down Brandon Shores might affect grid reliability. The plant may remain open until 2028.
The Brandon Shores Generating Station plays a vital role in our energy grid. It showcases the complexities of power generation. It also highlights the ongoing transition to cleaner energy sources. Its story includes innovation environmental responsibility and adaptation.