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NRG Energy, Inc. Plans 30 MW Biomass Project at Its Montville Generating Station in Connecticut

^{Published on 2008-12-03 06:25:29 - Market Wire}
 

PRINCETON, N.J.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG) is developing a new biomass project at its Montville Generating Station in Uncasville, CT. NRG is enhancing one of the station's existing units to use biomass as a fuel source for 30 megawatts (MW) of the unit's 82-MW generating capacity. The facility currently is fueled by oil and natural gas. Biomass, which uses plant matter such as chipped wood to produce electricity, is a renewable source of energy that will help lower the facility's net carbon footprint.

"Montville marks NRG's fourth RepoweringNRG project in Connecticut," said John Ragan,President of NRG's Northeast Region. "We are committed to developing new and environmentally responsible power generation, and to helping the state meet its increasing demand for cleaner alternative energy sources."

This summer, NRG added 40 MW of ultra low-sulfur distillate fuel power generation at its Cos Cob site in Fairfield County bringing the plant's total output to 100 MW while reducing overall emissions from the site. Additionally, NRG and The United Illuminating Company, through their GenConn partnership, are developing a combined total of 400 MW of new peaking generation at NRG's existing sites in Middletown and Milford.

"Using biomass, together with fossil fuels, in our existing fleet is one of the quickest and most efficient ways to reduce carbon intensity. When this biomass project comes online, it will be another step in helping Connecticut reach its goal of creating 20 percent Class 1 renewable power generation by 2020," said Michael Liebelson, Chief Development Officer–Low-Carbon Technology, NRG Energy. "In addition to providing clean, renewable energy to Connecticut residents, we are obtaining the biomass from nearby foresters and saw mills, which will provide economic benefits to the region."

About NRG

NRG Energy, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, owns and operates one of the country's largest and most diverse power generation portfolios. NRG's 48 plants provide approximately 24,000 megawatts of generation capacity—enough to power nearly 20 million homes. In November 2007, NRG won two of the industry's highest honors—Platts Industry Leadership and Energy Company of the Year awards. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, NRG is a member of the U.S. Climate Action Partnership (USCAP), a group of business and environmental organizations calling for mandatory legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. More information is available at [ www.nrgenergy.com ].

Safe Harbor Disclosure

Certain statements contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and typically can be identified by the use of words such as "will," "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "forecast," "plan," "believe" and similar terms. Although NRG believes that its expectations are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct, and actual results may vary materially. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated above include, among others, environmental regulations and risks and uncertainties related to the capital markets generally.

NRG undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing review of factors that could cause NRG's actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in the forward-looking statements included herein should be considered in connection with information regarding risks and uncertainties that may affect NRG's future results included in NRG's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission at [ www.sec.gov ].