Thomas C. Ferguson Power Plant Explained

Thomas C. Ferguson Power Plant
Country:United States
Location:Horseshoe Bay, Texas
Coordinates:30.5575°N -98.3722°W
Owner:Lower Colorado River Authority
Status:O
Th Fuel Primary:Natural gas
Ps Cooling Source:Lake LBJ
Ps Electrical Capacity:540
Commissioned:Unit 1: 1974
Units 2-3: October 2014
Decommissioned:Unit 1: September 2013

The Thomas C. Ferguson Power Plant consists of dual natural gas fired turbines and a single steam turbine run by exhaust heat from the gas turbines in a combined cycle configuration that generates 540 megawatts (MW) of electricity.[1] The facility is located near Horseshoe Bay in Llano County, Texas, United States. It is owned and operated by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) and was named for Thomas C. Ferguson, a member of LCRA's first Board of Directors. Cooling water is provided by Lake LBJ, a freshwater reservoir created by Wirtz Dam.

The LCRA broke ground in April 2012 on the plant to replace the existing single-unit natural gas fired 420 megawatt turbine completed in 1974. Fluor Corporation was the general contractor on the Ferguson Replacement Project. The LCRA dedicated the new $500 million facility, which is 35% more efficient, in October 2014.[2]

During its last years, the original generator only operated during periods of peak demand or when other utilities needed reserve or emergency power. It stopped operating in September 2013 and was dismantled.[1]

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Notes and References

  1. Web site: Thomas C. Ferguson Power Plant. Lower Colorado River Authority. 23 February 2015.
  2. Web site: Aldridge. James. LCRA flips switch on new $500 million power plant. San Antonio Business Journal. American City Business Journals. 23 February 2015.