Results of Climate Challenge ActivitiesDOE's Energy Partnerships for a Strong Economy
July 8, 1996
Mr. Larry Mansueti Subject: Results of Climate Challenge Activities by Houston Lighting & Power Company Dear Mr. Mansueti: As part of its Climate Challenge Participation Accord, Houston Lighting & Power Company (HL&P) committed to undertake certain actions and activities to sequester and avoid emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs). HL&P also committed to submit annual reports of its GHG sequestration activities to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), as well as meeting with DOE to discuss HL&P's status in achieving its Climate Challenge goals. On October 31, 1995, HL&P submitted its first report to the DOE under the EIA-1605 reporting form. Included in the report were HL&P's emissions of GHGs, as well as results of actions taken which sequester these gases, during the 1991 to 1994 time frame. HL&P also met with DOE on June 25, 1996 to discuss the company's Climate Challenge successes and provide background on continuing GHG reduction activities. A summary of these activities is provided below.
Project Summaries: San Jacinto Steam Electric Station - The San Jacinto Steam Electric Station (SJS) became fully operational in March 1995 as both combined-cycle gas turbine (CCGT) units began commercial operation. Emission reductions were below the year-2000 projections due to only nine months of commercial operation and because phase-out of the three DuPont steam boilers, which accounts for a large portion of the expected GHG reductions, was not completed until May 1995. GT PRIME / T.H. Wharton Station - Progress continues on the GT PRIME Project at HL&P's T.H. Wharton Station as the sixth of eight CCGTs were refurbished and upgraded for more efficient operation. Emission reductions were below the year-2000 projections because the reductions from GT PRIME are calculated based on a differential emission rate and net generation, and because three of the eight GTs spent some portion of 1995 down for refurbishment and upgrade. Conversion of all eight CCGTs is scheduled for completion in late 1996. Sales of Coal Fly Ash - Sales of coal fly ash in 1995 exceeded expectations that were represented in the Climate Challenge Accord. As a result, GHG emission reductions from fly ash sales also exceeded original estimates. Future growth in emission reductions resulting from this project are expected to continue as the market for combustion byproducts continues to expand. Demand Side Management - Emission reductions resulting from demand side management (DSM) activities were somewhat lower than year-2000 projections. This reduction in emission reductions resulting from DSM energy-savings activities is likely a result of uncertainty surrounding the transition of the electric utility industry to a deregulated marketplace and the role of DSM in that environment. Rice Methane Research - HL&P continues to support ongoing research at Rice University concerning reduction of methane emissions from cultivated rice fields through controlled irrigation and draining. Possible future activities related to this project include correlation of satellite imagery with methane emission rates as well as applications of methane reduction practices in the People's Republic of China. EEI Utility Forest Carbon Management Program - HL&P's participation in the EEI Utility Forest Carbon Management Program (UFCMP) was limited to a one-time financial contribution of $5,000 in 1995. This contribution was intended to support the initial stages of implementation of the UFCMP and not as a continuing activity. HL&P has chosen not to continue participation in the UFCMP at this time and to focus GHG reduction and sequestration efforts in other areas at this time. Overall, HL&P's reduction efforts have resulted in an increasing level of GHG reductions which total nearly 3 million tons in 1995 and compare favorably with the 3 to 4 million tons per year reduction level that HL&P cited as its goal for year 2000. Sincerely,
Edward A. Feith, P.E. JMG:\ccap\95ghgsum.let
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