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Council approves purchase of parcel for future power generation; 7–1 vote
Summary
Council authorized purchase of roughly 20.90 acres adjacent to the city substation to site future generation, water storage and pressure-control facilities. Staff said the parcel’s access to a 69kV transmission line and a natural gas main make it a favorable site for either reciprocating engines or aero-derivative turbines; the vote passed 7–1.
By a 7–1 vote, the Fremont City Council approved a resolution authorizing purchase documents for a roughly 20.90-acre parcel (PID 270139527) adjacent to the city substation for future electrical generation, water storage and pressure control.
Jeff Shanahan, utility general manager, told council that the site is attractive because it sits next to the city’s substation with a 69,000-volt primary transmission line, has a natural-gas main crossing the property, and provides an available 12-inch water main on Summer Street for emission-controls water needs. He described two generation technology paths under consideration: multiple reciprocating internal combustion (RIC) engines (9–12 MW each) to achieve modular buildout, or aero-derivative turbines that require higher gas pressure and additional compression equipment; staff said an RFP to hire engineering and construction services will follow the site acquisition.
Councilman Horner moved to approve the purchase agreement; Councilman Peterson seconded. The motion passed 7 yays and 1 nay. Council members expressed concern about per-acre price but also noted the time and cost that would be required to site generation at an alternative property lacking existing gas and electrical connections.
