By Greg Gorman • ggorman@embargmail.com
In 2022, 14.9 gigawatts (GW) of US electric generation capacity was scheduled for retirement. Of that, 8% is natural gas facility shutdowns, primarily older steam and combustion turbines. This year, 46.1 GW of new electric generating capacity is projected to be added, including 9.6 GW of gas. Predominantly, the remainder of the new electric generating capacity will be a combination of solar (21.5 GW), wind (7.6 GW), battery storage (5.1 GW), and nuclear (2.2 GW)—all carbon-free sources of power.
New Jersey currently has 21 gas-fired generation plants. The two largest (Linden and Bergen generating plants) provide power to New Jersey and New York. The power demand for New York is expected to diminish as action is taken to fight climate change. In December 2021, New York City banned natural gas in new buildings. In June 2022, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation to support greenhouse gas reduction strategies in buildings and spur development of geothermal energy networks.
Many of the gas facilities in New Jersey are “peaker plants” that operate only when energy demand is highest. Two of the new gas plants proposed in New Jersey are “microgrids” for intermittent use to ensure continuity of service for rail and sewage.
The NJ solar market continues see strong growth, and offshore wind will come online within the next few years. Like it or not, New Jersey approved financial support for the state’s remaining three nuclear power reactors to prevent their closures. Displacing dirty gas power plants eliminates pollutant sources, which is especially important for environmental justice communities. When dirty power plants or their potential can be eliminated, the landscape is unencumbered by the need for pipeline rights of way and safety setbacks. This land can be developed or converted to forest. It’s time to plan for an orderly decommissioning of natural gas power plants.
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