Panda Power Temple Projects, Texas, USA

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Panda Power Temple Projects,Power plants generate 1,500 megawatts of clean energy A consortium of Bechtel Power Corporation and Siemens Energy, Inc. built Panda Temple I and Panda Temple II, two 758-megawatt combined-cycle power plants fueled by clean-burning natural gas. Bechtel was responsible for project management, engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning of the twin Temple, plants in Texas. The Bechtel-Siemens consortium also designed and built the Panda Sherman Generating Station, another 758-megawatt natural gas-fueled combined-cycle plant, an hour’s drive north of Dallas. Groundbreaking for Temple I took place in September 2012. Temple I began commercial operation in 2014 and Temple II in 2015. The two facilities are strategically sited along the Texas half of the Interstate 35 corridor, one of the 10 most concentrated, and rapidly growing, population centers in the United States. Approximately 45 percent of Texas’ 21 million citizens live within 50 miles (80 kilometers) of Interstate 35.  The Panda Temple facilities are among the cleanest, natural gas-fueled combined-cycle power plants in the United States. These zero-discharge plants also rely heavily on recycled water. Fast facts According to Panda Power Funds, Temple I and II will: Contribute about $1.6 billion to the area’s economy during construction and the plant’s first 10 years of operation Utilize the latest, most advanced emissions-control technology, making it one of the cleanest natural gas-fueled power plants in the United States Provide higher power output during high-temperature conditions, making the plant ideal for hot summers in the Lone Star state Generate 700 - 800 jobs at peak construction Image gallery Why it matters The North Texas Council of Governments has forecast that, by 2030, the population of North Texas will grow from 6.6 million to more than 9 million people. This equates to, among other developments drawing electricity, some: 930,000+ additional homes 600+ new schools 12+ shopping malls 40 dozen new hospitals 55 million square feet (5.2 million square meters) of office space An important piece in Texas' renewable energy strategy Burgeoning wind generation and solar energy programs in Texas require natural gas-fueled backup generation. The two Panda Temple power plants support the development of additional renewable generation by closing the generating gap caused by sudden drop-offs in renewable energy. They will quickly fill the void when renewable energy output suddenly drops on account of wind dying down or clouds obscuring the sun. In addition, the Panda Temple plants boast quick-start turbines that quickly ramp up to 50 percent power production in just 30 minutes.

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