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Brayton Point shifts to renewables

 

Published by
Energy Global,

Over the past 18 months, the transformation of Brayton Point has reached significant milestones as the landscape shifted from its historic use as a coal-fired power plant to an international marine terminal. The brownfield redevelopment investment envisioned by Commercial Development Company, Inc. (CDC) is becoming a reality as the site evolves towards becoming a sustainable logistics and manufacturing centre, a renewable energy hub and an international seaport.

Russ Becker, President of EnviroAnalytics Group, has reported that "Demolition at Brayton Point has progressed to its final stages across most of the site. Grading activities will commence this spring to prepare laydown and manufacturing areas for future tenants. The grading plan is designed in accordance with the offshore wind industry requirements for a marshalling port and manufacturing of offshore wind components."

"Our crews have safely deconstructed and removed 1.5 million square ft of former power plant infrastructure. We now have a blank canvas to create a platform for new development as the site matures into Brayton Point Commerce Center" Becker has commented.

Throughout the reclamation process CDC has been engaged in extensive discussions with major offshore wind industry companies. Prospective tenants include manufacturing, logistics, cable interconnections, maintenance and other bulk materials.

Of particular interest to the offshore wind sector are Brayton Point’s now proven abilities to conduct efficient heavy lift port operations and receive deep-draft ocean-going vessels at the site’s newly redeveloped marine commerce terminal. Brayton Point Commerce Center has received a total of nine vessel calls. These ships have included offshore wind research vessels, yacht transporters, bulk carriers and tug and barge units.

In May 2019, Anbaric announced an agreement with CDC to establish a 1200 MW high voltage direct current converter and 400 MW of battery storage at Brayton Point to support the offshore wind industry. CDC continues to work with Anbaric, aiming to bring this plan to fruition.