SOMERSET, Mass. (AP) -- The owners of a deactivated Somerset power plant have abandoned plans to reopen it using a new production process.
The coal-and oil-burning Somerset Station closed in January 2010 after the state said it had to switch to a clean energy source.
Plant owner NRG Energy, Inc., had received approval in 2008 to use plasma gasification, which produces energy with a mix of coal and wood chips. The plan was suspended after legal challenges from environmental and community activists. State regulators agreed Friday to allow the company to withdraw its permit applications.
NRG spokesman David Gaier said Wednesday the company also faced adverse market conditions, including state limits on wood-burning power plants. He said NRG still believes plasma gasification is clean and effective and hopes to develop it elsewhere.
The coal-and oil-burning Somerset Station closed in January 2010 after the state said it had to switch to a clean energy source.
Plant owner NRG Energy, Inc., had received approval in 2008 to use plasma gasification, which produces energy with a mix of coal and wood chips. The plan was suspended after legal challenges from environmental and community activists. State regulators agreed Friday to allow the company to withdraw its permit applications.
NRG spokesman David Gaier said Wednesday the company also faced adverse market conditions, including state limits on wood-burning power plants. He said NRG still believes plasma gasification is clean and effective and hopes to develop it elsewhere.