Zachry Engineering expands power supply to the Texas Panhandle

Xcel Energy has hired Zachry Engineering Corporation for the design of their second phase expansion at the Jones Power Station near Lubbock, Texas. This is the second design contract awarded for Zachry Engineering at the Jones Station where 170-MW gas turbine-generator units are being added in phases to supply peaking power. Fast starting peaking gas turbines meet consumer needs and provide system stability during high demand periods and during sudden changes in power output from wind and solar plants. This is the second peaking gas turbine to be added at the site. Eventually the two gas turbines will be converted to a combined cycle power plant with a rating of about 550 megawatts. The units being added at the Jones Station use natural gas fuel and meet all of the stringent emissions regulations for new power plants. Gas turbines have been a strong part of the Zachry Engineering design experience and this new unit will add to the portfolio of more than 28,000 megawatts. The design effort started in late 2011 is expected to be completed in late 2012.