• Efficient, powerful, simple-cycle combustion turbine technology
• Quick-start capability
• Net output of 420–445 MW
• Selective catalytic reducers (SCRs) installed to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions
• Unit can burn fuel oil and up to 50% hydrogen
• Energy center online by 2026–2027
• Estimated total project cost of $520 million
Ripley Energy Center
ASSOCIATED TAKES ACTION FOR MEMBERS
Protecting a reliable, low-cost, and responsible power supply for Associated Electric Cooperative’s members is vital. Additional natural gas generation is required to maintain a reliable power supply for members during peak energy demand. Associated will construct two new natural gas-fired, simple-cycle energy centers — one in Oklahoma and one in Missouri — that will each provide 420–445 MW of power when needed. A 160-acre parcel was purchased by Associated near Ripley, Oklahoma, and prioritized as the first site for a new natural gas generation facility: Ripley Energy Center.
This natural gas project will:
Generate safe and reliable power
Natural gas generation facilities can start up and shut down very quickly to meet fluctuating energy demand safely and efficiently. The planned facilities will operate as peaking units, providing energy when needed during peak energy use.
Protect reliability at the lowest possible cost
Natural gas offers a competitive fuel price thanks to Oklahoma’s plentiful natural gas supply, enabling Associated to use the lowest-cost generation option available. Natural gas generation facilities are less costly to build, operate, maintain, and staff than other sources of reliable generation.
Reduce carbon, prepare for developing technologies
Natural gas is the cleanest of the fossil fuels (about 50% cleaner than coal), producing the least emissions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. In addition to natural gas, the combustion turbines will be capable of burning up to 50% hydrogen, a developing technology and zero-carbon resource.
Contribute positively to surrounding communities
Associated is committed to bettering its home communities and being a good steward of the land, air, and water. The new gas generation project will meet all environmental regulations while also enriching the area with new job opportunities during and after construction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Associated Electric Cooperative, headquartered in Springfield, Missouri. Founded in 1961, Associated is the wholesale power provider for KAMO Power, a generation & transmission cooperative headquartered in Vinita, Oklahoma.
KAMO Power transmits the electricity to nine Oklahoma-based distribution cooperatives, including Central Rural Electric Cooperative, which delivers the power to rural members across the state.
Associated is a not-for-profit wholesale power generation cooperative that is owned and governed by the cooperatives we serve.
This project is a natural gas peaking unit, which will not run all the time and is available to quick-start and run on-demand during periods of peak energy use to make sure members have reliable electric generation.
Peaking generation like this project supplements other forms of generation, like wind and solar power, which cannot generate power on demand.
The primary reason Associated is developing this new energy center is because electric use in Associated’s cooperative system continues to grow, especially during periods of peak demand in the winter and summer.
When considering potential locations for this energy center, proximity to natural gas supply lines and cooperative high-voltage transmission lines are key. This site, located 6.5 miles due north of Ripley, Oklahoma, best meets those requirements to construct the energy center at the lowest-cost possible to members.
The prioritized site in Payne County, Oklahoma, is in the final stages of the permitting process and concluding all required site studies. It is anticipated that construction will start in late 2024 and take about two years to complete.
No, Ripley Energy Center will be operated as a peaking facility to provide power when needed, typically to serve sudden surges in electricity use. The energy center will have quick-start capability to meet fluctuating energy demand, needing just 13 minutes to reach full capacity.
Peaking facilities reliably serve members during periods of peak energy use. Seasonal peak energy use typically occurs during very hot or very cold weather, while daily peaks tend to occur early in the morning and evening hours when people are at home and using larger appliances.
Yes, especially if you are a member of a rural electric cooperative. This new energy center will enable Associated to provide KAMO Power with a reliable power supply to meet fluctuating member demand. KAMO Power transmits this electricity to your local rural electric cooperative, who delivers the power to your home when needed most.
During peak construction, activities related to building the energy center will require up to 200 people. Traffic and activity during that phase will be noticeable, but of variable duration and only during construction. Transportation studies will be completed to minimize impacts and ensure roadway integrity is maintained.
After the unit is in-service, estimates are no more than 12 people will usually be on-site at any given time. Traffic impact will be minimal.
Modern natural gas generating units are designed to minimize noise, emissions and lighting. The unit will comply with all emissions requirements set forth by regulatory agencies responsible for that oversight.
The energy center will be equipped with features to reduce noise. Associated’s goal is to keep sound levels at homes in the vicinity equivalent to the volume of a typical person-to-person conversation.
The unit will be set back from the road and other property boundaries by several hundred feet. The tallest part of Ripley Energy Center will be approximately 140 feet tall.
Sí, la guía del proyecto y el documento de preguntas frecuentes están disponibles en español.
Please email ripleyenergycenter@aeci.org with any specific questions and answers will be provided as quickly as possible.