The Alexander City Outlook

230-ton generator makes its way back to energy center

A 230-ton generator was transported through Alexander City Tuesday morning with a cloud of smoke and a trail of cars behind it.

The generator, owned by Calpine, is the first to be transported to the Hillabee Energy Center in the next week. In the spring of 2003, two generators were taken out of Alexander City for use at other Calpine plants; however, they are now being returned.

Walter Mills, maintenance manager with Calpine, said the return of the generators is an exciting time for Alexander City, because it means the plant will have capabilities to provide power to thousands when the plant is fully operational.

“It is definitely positive,” Mills said. “Moving the generators was like a parade to the plant. Everybody watched it, and there were a string of cars in the front and back.

“It is critical for us to be able to operate when we finish construction. The generators will not be used immediately, but this is a good milestone to have equipment that left the site come back. It’s wonderful.”

Mills said the first step in getting the generators back to Alexander City was to build a railroad spur and bring a crane capable of lifting 230 tons. Then, a truck with 120 wheels was obtained to move the generators. Mills said the 120-wheel truck was able to get the generator from the intersection of Washington and Commerce streets to the plant on Brick Plant Road in about two hours. The next generator will be moved next Tuesday.

Chrystal Walker, manager of public affairs with Calpine, said the return of the generators is not linked to a cancellation of the slowdown at the plant, but everything is operating on schedule.

“In the next three to four weeks, a team will be there to reinstall generators at Hillabee,” she said. “The return of the generators is part of a plan, but it is not linked to the slowdown. The slowdown was linked to the energy market, and now the facility that borrowed them no longer needs them.”

Walker said Calpine is the largest independent power producer in the nation and the company is growing. She was one unit of power they provide can bring power to 1,000 homes. Currently they are a 770-unit facility at Hillabee energy center, which means it is capable of powering 770,000 homes.

“It’s exciting,” she said. “This is the return of something big to town and is something necessary for the project to be completed when the time comes.”