LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AES Alamitos, a subsidiary of The AES Corporation (AES), broke ground Friday on the new Alamitos Energy Center (AEC) — a 640 MW lower profile, more efficient and modernized natural gas power plant and 100 MW battery energy storage system that will replace the existing AES Alamitos Generating Station on Studebaker Road in Long Beach, CA.
“We're excited to move forward to the construction phase of this important project and look forward to working with the community every step of the way," said Stephen O'Kane, President of AES Alamitos Energy, LLC. "We'd like to thank the Long Beach community for its support of this project, which will not only provide electrical reliability critical to Long Beach and Southern California, but also generate jobs and economic growth while helping California meet its environmental goals."
Speakers at the groundbreaking ceremony included AES Southland President Jennifer Didlo, State Assemblyman Patrick O'Donnell (D-Long Beach), Long Beach City Councilwoman Suzie Price and California Independent Operating System President and CEO Stephen Berberich — all advocates of the project.
After years of planning and review — including extensive environmental review and a public hearing process — the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved the license for the new combined-cycle gas plant in April of this year, which was followed by permitting by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
The new AEC will be half the size of the existing plant, with lower stacks and more street-side landscaping to improve its curbside appeal. Perhaps more importantly, it will eliminate the use of ocean water for cooling, reduce the use of fresh water by 70 percent and be fitted with the best available emission control technology. In addition, the project will create jobs and help boost the local economy.
AES Alamitos, LLC is a subsidiary of the AES Corporation. The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 200 global power company. We provide affordable, sustainable energy to 17 countries through our diverse portfolio of distribution businesses as well as thermal and renewable generation facilities. Our workforce of 19,000 people is committed to operational excellence and meeting the world’s changing power needs. Our 2016 revenues were $14 billion and we own and manage $36 billion in total assets. To learn more, please visit www.aes.com. Follow AES on Twitter @TheAESCorp.
