Bayonne Energy Center | Bayonne

The Bayonne Energy Center is a significant natural gas-fired power generation facility located on Constable Hook, a peninsula in Bayonne, New Jersey. This strategically positioned plant plays an important role in providing reliable electricity to the New York metropolitan area, particularly during periods of peak demand.

Location and Context

Situated on the industrial waterfront of Constable Hook, the Bayonne Energy Center occupies a site surrounded by various oil terminals and port facilities. Its location benefits from proximity to existing energy infrastructure and transportation links, making it ideal for efficient fuel supply and power distribution. The site also takes advantage of the nearby marine terminals for logistical support.

Development and Ownership

The facility was commissioned in 2012 through a partnership between Hess Corporation, an energy company with deep roots in exploration and refining, and ArcLight Capital Partners, an investment firm specializing in energy infrastructure. Ownership has changed hands over time; in 2015, Macquarie Infrastructure Corporation acquired the plant, and in 2018, it was sold to a Morgan Stanley-managed investment fund. Currently, the plant is operated by TigerGenCo LLC, which focuses on power generation and grid services.

Design and Technology

Bayonne Energy Center is designed as a simple-cycle power plant, meaning it generates electricity by using gas turbines that convert fuel energy directly into mechanical energy, which then drives electrical generators. Unlike combined-cycle plants that reuse exhaust heat to boost efficiency, simple-cycle plants prioritize quick start-up and flexibility to respond rapidly to changes in electricity demand.

The plant features 10 aero-derivative gas turbines, which are lightweight and derived from aircraft engine technology. These turbines can ramp up and down swiftly, making the plant well-suited as a “mid-merit” facility-providing power during moderately high demand periods or peak usage hours, rather than operating continuously.

Capacity and Fuel

The Bayonne Energy Center has an installed electrical capacity of approximately 644 megawatts (MW). This capacity enables it to supply electricity to hundreds of thousands of homes in the region during times when the power grid experiences strain.

Primarily fueled by natural gas, the plant also has the capability to operate on ultra-low sulfur distillate fuel oil as a backup, ensuring fuel flexibility in the event of natural gas supply interruptions. This dual-fuel capability enhances grid reliability and operational resilience.

Transmission and Grid Integration

A notable feature of the Bayonne Energy Center is its connection to the New York City power grid. It transmits electricity via a 6.5-mile, 345-kilovolt underwater transmission cable that runs beneath Newark Bay and the Kill Van Kull to the Gowanus substation in Brooklyn. This transmission line is the world’s longest cable made with cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation, a modern technology that provides durability and reliability for high-voltage underwater cables.

By directly linking to the NYC grid, the Bayonne Energy Center helps address the city’s power needs, particularly as older power plants have retired and energy demand has grown.

Expansion and Modernization

In 2018, the facility underwent an expansion project known as Bayonne Energy Center II, adding an additional 120 MW of generating capacity. This expansion was part of a regional strategy to compensate for the closure of the Indian Point Energy Center, a major nuclear plant north of New York City, which had long been a significant source of power.

To further modernize and increase its role in a transitioning energy landscape, the plant is also developing a 50 MW, 4-hour battery energy storage system. Scheduled for operation around 2026, this battery system will store energy during low-demand periods or from renewable sources and release it during peak demand or outages. The integration of battery storage supports grid stability, allows for better management of variable renewable energy sources, and enhances the overall flexibility of the power system.

Environmental Considerations

While natural gas plants like Bayonne Energy Center emit significantly less carbon dioxide compared to coal-fired power plants, they still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. In 2021, the facility generated roughly 656,742 megawatt-hours of electricity, sufficient to power about 59,700 average homes annually. During that period, its estimated carbon dioxide emissions were approximately 382,292 metric tons-comparable to the emissions from over 83,000 passenger vehicles.

The plant adheres to stringent environmental regulations designed to minimize emissions of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and particulate matter. The inclusion of modern gas turbine technology and emissions control systems helps to reduce the environmental footprint relative to older fossil fuel power plants.

Role in Regional Energy Strategy

The Bayonne Energy Center plays a crucial role in New York and New Jersey’s energy landscape by providing reliable, dispatchable power that complements intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Its fast-start turbines are vital for balancing the grid when renewable generation fluctuates due to weather or demand changes.

As the region moves toward decarbonization, the facility’s plans to integrate battery storage and explore clean energy innovations position it as part of a broader transition to a cleaner, more resilient power grid. The plant’s flexibility, modern technology, and strategic location will remain essential in supporting the complex energy demands of the metropolitan area.

Summary

The Bayonne Energy Center is a modern natural gas power plant designed to meet peak and mid-level electricity demands for one of the busiest and most energy-intensive urban regions in the United States. Its combination of fast-start gas turbines, dual-fuel capability, and underwater transmission infrastructure enables it to supply reliable power to New York City and surrounding areas. The recent expansion and planned battery storage addition underscore its evolving role within a changing energy system that increasingly values flexibility, clean technology, and grid stability. Despite the environmental challenges associated with fossil fuel generation, the Bayonne Energy Center contributes significantly to the region’s energy security while adapting to future sustainability goals.