Invenergy's 600 MW Nelson Energy Center begins commercial operations

Invenergy Clean Power LLC has announced the start of commercial operation of its 600 MW Nelson Energy Center, a natural gas-fired power generation plant in Lee County, Illinois.

Located in the city of Rock Falls, approximately 120 miles west of Chicago, Nelson is a combined-cycle project that uses GE 7FA gas turbines and GE steam turbines.

A portion of the project’s output is sold long-term to WPPI Energy, a regional power company serving 51 locally-owned, not-for-profit electric utilities. The remaining power is sold into the PJM wholesale market.

Jim Shield, Chief Development Officer for Chicago-based Invenergy, stated:

“Invenergy is pleased to reach this milestone with Nelson, our first operating natural gasfired power generation facility in our home state of Illinois. We’re proud to continue to invest in Illinois’ clean energy economy, with our statewide operating portfolio – which includes wind, solar, and energy storage projects as well - now totaling more than 1,200 MW.“

Invenergy raised project financing in December 2013. It included construction and term loans with GE Energy Financial Services, ING Capital LLC, and Siemens Financial Services, Inc.