A flexible solution for improving the durability of New York’s volatile energy infrastructure

Bayonne Energy Center (BEC) Expansion

Through expansion and upgrades, the Bayonne Energy Center now provides more flexible, reliable power to New York City. Originally built in 2012, the plant included eight combustion turbine generators (CTGs) with selective catalytic reduction (SCR) and connected to a 6.5-mile, 345 kilovolt (kV) underwater power line transporting power to a New York city substation.

In 2016, an expansion project began at BEC—BECII. This project would not only increase the capacity of the facility through the installation of two additional Siemens Trent 60 CTGs with SCRs, but also upgrade systems within the existing plant. New systems would include a new 345-kV switchyard, upgraded plant controls, and a new gas yard that allows the plant to accept gas from two sources. Due to new FEMA flood zone regulations the new equipment was required to be installed 16 feet above sea level—that meant elevating equipment seven feet above current grade.

We served two roles on this project. The first was as the engineer of record for the EPC contractor, DCO Energy. Our second role involved working directly for the plant owner and performing project management, engineering and design for existing plant upgrades and tie points to the new BECII expansion project.

With increased capacity from 512 MW to 644 MW, BEC has improved their ability to provide New York with flexible, reliable peaking power.