Vistra Energy has announced that from 2022 to 2027, they will be closing 2 coal plants in Ohio and another 5 in Illinois. This decision is part of the company’s plan to reduce its carbon footprint.
In an effort to transition to clean power sources, Vistra also included in its plan an $850 million investment in zero-carbon developments in Texas’ ERCOT market. This project is slated to produce nearly 1,000 megwatts through six new solar facilities and one new battery storage facility. This is in addition to its current development of the world’s largest battery energy storage project, a California storage facility with a capacity of 400 MW/1,600 MWh.
According to Curt Morgan, Vistra’s president and CEO, “…Vistra’s leadership on these issues will not impact our core mission to provide consumers with reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy while lowering emissions. Electricity is an essential resource, and the demand for it will continue to grow as climate initiatives are implemented and the economy is further electrified. So, while the way we produce electricity is changing, our essential role in the process and core mission will not.”
Projected Closures:
- By year-end 2022:
Edwards Power Plant, Bartonville, IL (MISO) – 585 MW previously announced - By year-end 2025 or sooner should economic or other conditions dictate:
Baldwin Power Plant, Baldwin, IL (MISO) – 1,185 MW
Joppa Power Plant, Joppa, IL (MISO) – 1,002 MW (plus 239 MW of gas-fueled combustion turbines)1 - By year-end 2027 or sooner should economic or other conditions dictate:
Kincaid Power Plant, Kincaid, IL (PJM) – 1,108 MW
Miami Fort Power Plant, North Bend, OH (PJM) – 1,020 MW
Newton Power Plant, Newton, IL (MISO) – 615 MW
Zimmer Power Plant, Moscow, OH (PJM) – 1,300 MW
Projected Openings
- Expected online in 2021:
Andrews Solar Facility, Andrews County – 100 MW
Brightside Solar Facility, Live Oak County – 50 MW
Emerald Grove Solar Facility, Crane County – 108 MW
Upton 2 Solar and Energy Storage Facility – Phase III, Upton County – 10 MW solar
Additional solar capacity to be added to the already operational facility, bringing its total solar capacity to 190 MW - Expected online in 2022:
DeCordova Energy Storage Facility, Hood County – 260 MW/260 MWh
Co-located on site of Luminant’s natural gas-fueled DeCordova Power Plant
Forest Grove Solar Facility, Henderson County – 200 MW
Oak Hill Solar Facility, Rusk County – 200 MW
