Traveling down I-77 South from Cambridge, motorists encounter the very imposing Guernsey Power Station.  Upon completion this year, the huge structure will be the largest single-phase, gas-fired power plant in the United States.

As the managing owner, Caithness Energy has a very successful track record in the development of power projects, having developed, operated, and owned interests in 43 operating power projects, including gas turbine, wind, geo-thermal, solar, hydro, diesel, and transmission line endeavors.  This project has generated approximately 1,000 jobs in the area during the peak construction period, with nearly 30 full-time plant personnel to be employed in permanent positions to operate the three turbine power system.  The project is very environmentally sensitive.  There is reduced water consumption by using dry-cooling technology, which reduces water usage by as much as 95% compared to other cooling systems.  The combined cycle and cooling technologies combine to allow the facility to achieve the lowest possible air emissions.

Initial activities at the site involved leveling, preparation of lay down areas, upgrade of Seneca Lane (primary access to the project) and grouting of mine tunnels beneath the project site.  Gemma has employed the latest stabilization techniques to provide a solid, stable platform supporting the massive turbines.  The Village of Byesville has installed the water lines which will support the project and has completed infrastructure to provide sewer service.

The Power Station will provide more than $140 million to the Rolling Hills School District and a substantial annual stipend to Valley Township.  The project has created numerous “spin-off” employment opportunities in the community as Gemma Power Systems, the general contractor, has made significant efforts to employ local subcontractors.  With AEP operating the switching station, the plant will pump 1875 megawatts into the PJM grid covering 13 states.

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