DOVER — Power Engineering magazine has named Chesapeake Utilities’ new natural-gas Eight Flags Energy Combined Heat and Power Plant as its “Best CHP Project of the Year.”
“This award is meant to recognize innovative and creative power projects that play a unique role in meeting local and regional demand for power,” said Power Engineering Editor-in-Chief Russell Ray. “The Eight Flags Energy CHP Plant goes above and beyond in meeting these standards.”
“The Eight Flags Energy CHP Plant is a strategic solution designed to meet the needs of our customers and communities while reducing emissions and providing savings,” said Chesapeake CEO Michael P. McMasters. “This project, the first-of-its-kind for the company, is an example of our employees’ commitment to developing effective ways to grow while continuing to deliver value to our customers, investors and the communities we serve.”
The Eight Flags Energy CHP plant is powered by natural gas provided by Florida Public Utilities Company and Peninsula Pipeline Company, two Cheasapeake subsidiaries. It produces three energy outputs: electricity, steam and heated water.
Rayonier Advanced Materials purchases the steam and heated water for use in its cellulose specialties production facility. Florida Public Utiliities buys the electricity for distribution to its electric retail customers. The Eight Flags Energy CHP Plant, located at the Rayonier Advanced Materials plant in Amelia Island, Florida, generates enough electricity to meet 50 percent of the island’s demand.
“This plant is one of the most energy-efficient co-generation power plants in the United States, with a target efficiency of 78 percent,” added Jeffry M. Householder, president of Florida Public Utilities. ” It’s a resource that makes a meaningful impact.”
