Charlie Melancon: Pennsylvania on forefront of energy technology, development

History is being made in the energy industry. But that history has been both positive and negative.

The latter, of course, is best showcased by the recent “contango” in the crude oil industry that pushed futures prices well into the negatives as reported by outlets worldwide. Those prices have since abated but not before pummeling the industry and re-upping costly volatility introduced by a collapse in demand from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The positive news comes out of the commonwealth in regard to Cambria County’s CPV Fairview Energy Center. Not only did the plant come online well ahead of schedule last December to add nearly 1,100 megawatts of critical electricity to the state’s grid, but it is making history at the same time.

Gary Lambert, CEO of CPV, spoke to recent adaptations made at the plant: “We are proud to announce the completion of commissioning with 25% ethane mixed with natural gas at our Fairview Energy Center, making it the first plant of its kind as well as one of the most efficient combined-cycle power plants in the world.” He continued, “CPV’s continual deployment of cutting-edge technology has propelled us to the forefront of the competitive power industry in clean, efficient as well as renewable generation”

It becomes the first plant of its kind in the world to blend ethane and natural gas for electricity generation. How’s that for cutting edge?

The coordination to achieve this is a testament to Pennsylvania’s commitment to energy development. Sunoco’s Mariner East pipeline system, which has nearly a century long history in the commonwealth, is a key delivery source for ethane to mix into the natural gas blend at the plant. Specifically, the state of the art Mariner East II pipeline delivers ethane to CPV Fairview thanks to the buildout of gas wells in Western Pennsylvania that make Marcellus and Utica shale resources available.

For Pennsylvanians statewide this should be a piece of good news that are few and far between right now.

When I toured the facility in August 2018 it was far from complete but a year and change — and $1 billion of investment — later there are now a number of jobs on site paying out three to four million dollars annually in salaries.

Cambria County has been overlooked, according to Rep. Frank Burns, D-Cambria, who noted in 2018, “For too long, our region has been left behind, while larger cities reap the benefits of economic development. This project is a key example of why Cambria County is a good place for business, and I remain committed to fighting for jobs and economic growth in the region.”

Since then the county and Jackson Township have reaped the benefits of new tax revenues for important public services like schools, infrastructure, and first responders.

Residents across the state will also come to benefit from CPV Fairview and its newest capabilities through energy savings. Jeff Ahrens, project director at the plant, described the thinking behind mixing in ethane as a means to facilitate a bid in at a lower price for utilities in the state, which in turn pass along savings to residential and commercial users.

CPV Fairview’s commitment to delivering savings and energy security to Pennsylvanians during these trying times shouldn’t go unnoticed. This is a significant development when most needed. Residents should look forward, and encourage Pennsylvania to take steps to remain on the forefront of energy development.

Charlie Melancon is a former Democratic member of Congress from Louisiana and former Louisiana Secretary of Wildlife and Fisheries.