HomeNewsXcel Energy’s Harrington generating station transitions to natural gas

Xcel Energy’s Harrington generating station transitions to natural gas

2/5/2025
  • Cost-effective conversion to cleaner fuel reduces emissions and extends operations

At the end of 2024, Xcel Energy converted Harrington Station to utilize locally produced, clean natural gas. The conversion to a natural gas fuel system was made in partnership with the State of Texas (U.S.) in 2020 and will be fully complete in May 2025. The fuel conversion was deemed the most cost-effective way to help the area attain federal clean air standards.

“Harrington Station has a five-decade history of providing low-cost, highly reliable service to our Texas and New Mexico customers, and we are proud to re-power this great asset and protect the jobs within our Xcel Energy operations,” said Bob Frenzel, Xcel Energy chairman, president and CEO. “Generating power with clean natural gas allows us to use a very flexible fuel source to provide energy to a rapidly growing customer base.”

Xcel Energy explored various alternatives to reduce sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions at Harrington, but converting the plant to natural gas generation was the best option given the age of the plant’s three generating units. The plant was originally designed to burn both coal and natural gas, which significantly lowers the conversion expenses. The company will continue to use the existing boilers, steam turbines and electric generators, which have been in operation since the 1970s.

“Converting Harrington to natural gas not only helps Potter County meet air quality standards, but also leverages existing infrastructure to minimize costs,” said Adrian J. Rodriguez, president, Xcel Energy – Texas, New Mexico. “We strive to provide reliable and affordable electricity, and any savings from lower fuel costs will be passed on to our customers.”

Harrington Generating Station, with a capacity of 1,018 megawatts (MW), was Xcel Energy’s first coal-fueled power plant in Texas, with Unit 1 starting operations in 1976. Units 2 and 3 were among the first to use baghouses to capture particulate matter from coal combustion.

By converting Harrington Station to clean natural gas and keeping it operational, Xcel Energy will continue paying dollars into the local tax base. The company is committed to maintaining reliability and affordability, ensuring these changes are advantageous for customers.

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