Cat 15 kV generator and utility paralleling switchgear

Utah Municipal Power Agency's new state-of-the-art power plant in Provo, Utah, is the cleanest burning natural gas-fired power plant in the state. The UMPA plant provides reliable power to a growing population while minimizing the impact on local air quality. Its post combustion emissions after-treatment technology reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by 93 percent, carbon monoxide emissions by 90 percent and formaldehyde emissions by 90 percent. In addition, the ecoCube System converts nitrogen oxide into nitrogen and water vapor, reducing smog.

Five Cat G3520H natural gas generators provide more than 12 megawatts of peaking power to UMPA's member municipalities: Provo, Spanish Fork, Salem, Nephi, Levan and Manti. The natural gas to power the Cat generators is supplied locally by Summit Energy. The plant replaces the old Provo Power Plant demolished in 2016 after serving the community for more than 75 years.

Due to its efficiency and emission control technology, the project has garnered widespread acclaim from state and local stakeholders.

“I appreciate UMPA's investment in the cleanest technology available to provide peaking power for their Wasatch Front customers. This action represents what is necessary to be able to accommodate growth while addressing our current air quality challenges. The use of state-of-the-art emissions controls in transportation, industry, commercial and residential applications will allow our communities to thrive while continuing to reduce overall air pollution emissions,” said Bryce Bird, air quality director of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.

“UMPA made a commitment to use the cleanest emission control technology and install the most efficient generating equipment in order to meet the needs of our customers. We also applied the current neighborhood design standard and camouflaged the new power plant between the new Provo Recreation Center and the new Provo Power facilities,” said Kevin Garlick, power resource manager of UMPA. “We appreciate Provo City's support in hosting and siting the project and Wheeler Machinery's management of the construction of the project.”

Wheeler Power Systems, a division of Wheeler Machinery Co., led this turn-key construction project. “Wheeler is delighted that we could provide this win-win solution to UMPA. We are passionate about providing products that supply clean, reliable power. As a local Utah business and member of the community that will benefit from this project, it is important to us to help protect a high quality of life while allowing for growth and expansion in our state,” said Jonathan Campbell, vice president of sales and rentals of Wheeler Machinery Co.

“Utah continues to set the standard for innovative solutions that allow us to achieve mutual success across our energy and environmental goals as we look to meet the demands of our rapidly growing population,” said Laura Nelson, the Governor's energy advisor and executive director of the Governor's Office of Energy Development. “Projects such as UMPA's clean natural gas power plant help strengthen Utah's energy diversity in realizing the Governor's 'all of the above' strategy to create the most efficient and sustainable outcomes to power Utah's thriving economy and high quality of life.”

For more information, visit wheelercat.com/.

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