What to know about a planned natural gas 'peaker' plant in Mass.

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Massachusetts has strong climate laws and has committed to hitting 'net zero' emissions by 2050. So why is the state allowing the construction of a new natural gas power plant in Peabody?

Susan Smoller, a Peabody resident and cofounder of Breathe Clean North Shore, says the meeting was a start, but she was frustrated that people had to sit through a two-hour presentation before getting to speak. Many people left by that point, she says.

Building a peaker plant would save ratepayers money in the long-run because there’s a lot of price volatility in the capacity market, DeCurzio saidWere it to abandon the plan, MMWEC says it would lose $31 million, both in sunk costs and contractual obligations.With two operational peaker plants already on the property, the supporting infrastructure the new plant would need — like gas pipelines and an electrical substation — already exist.

Opponents insist MMWEC could meet its energy needs and spend less money if it built a battery storage system on the site or just bought on-call power on the free market. They point to two reports they commissioned to support their claims., which looked at batteries, concluded “that energy storage is not only a viable replacement option,” but could “result in emissions and cost savings.

They say Theoharides has the legal authority to do this, and should, given the lack of public awareness the first time around and the new environmental justice provisions signed into law last year. A spokesperson from her office said she can only order a new review if there has been a substantial change to the project.

 

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