We Energies seeks permit amendment to convert Elm Road power site from coal to LNG, add five gas turbines; planning commission recommends council approval

We Energies asked the Oak Creek Planning Commission to recommend a conditional use permit amendment that would allow conversion of operations at the Elm Road generating station from coal to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and construction of five natural-gas-fired combustion turbines and an on-site LNG storage tank.

The company said the conversion is driven by changes in regional grid planning and federal environmental rules, and is part of the utility’s stated goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Jennifer Bogner, director of local affairs for We Energies, said the regional grid operator (MISO) has shifted to a seasonal-peak planning model and that an EPA rule discussed in the presentation requires utilities to either retire coal units or install carbon capture — a technology the company said is not commercially viable in the region.

At the Planning Commission meeting, We Energies described the Elm Road project as two linked elements: five General Electric combustion turbines to provide fast-start, peaking capacity, and a full-containment LNG storage and liquefaction facility to provide local fuel supply in cold-weather or other high-demand periods. Company representatives said the combustion turbines are intended to “fill the gaps for when the wind’s not blowing and when the sun’s not shining.” Rick…