Renewable and Sustainable Electricity GenerationSERVICES
Alliance Energy is engaged in the production, transportation and marketing of several forms of energy including electricity, natural gas, fuel oil and various types of renewable fuels such as biodiesel and hydropower. From our natural gas gathering fields in Alaska to our hydro-electric production facilities in the Catskill Mountains of New York, we continuously provide a safe, clean and reliable supply of energy to meet society's demands, while remaining attentive to our environmental responsibilities.
Natural Gas Production and Transportation
For more than 15 years, Alliance has operated and maintained natural gas exploration and production activities in various locations throughout the world. Alliance also owns substantial low sulfur coal leases in Montana and owns and operates an intrastate natural gas pipeline in western New York.
This 12 mile pipeline, which is 8 inches in diameter, is capable of transporting more than 15,000 standard cubic feet per minute of high pressure natural gas. The source of the natural gas supply is the interconnection point with the Dominion interstate pipeline at Le Roy, NY and the line terminates by serving select customers in the Batavia, NY area.
Electricity Generation
Alliance Energy currently operates a number of power generation facilities throughout New York. These generating plants utilize a variety of highly beneficial technologies. From the quick-response peaking gas turbine plants, to the high-efficiency natural gas fired combined cycle facilities, to the renewable energy hydro-electric projects, our facilities are strategically located and individually configured to take advantage of opportunities in their respective areas of the deregulated market place. These projects are located within various power zones administered by the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO).
In addition to providing cost competitive capacity, electricity and ancillary services into the deregulated markets, some of our facilities retain their ability to produce thermal energy concurrent with electricity production. This process is called cogeneration. This process, which is used to provide steam for heating and cooling purposes, allows these facilities to serve their respective hosts in a manner that is much more efficient than by using conventional boilers. For example, the Ogdensburg Power Plant, located adjacent to the NYS St. Lawrence Psychiatric Center and the abutting NYS Ogdensburg Correctional Facility, provides steam for a centralized climate control services loop which operates throughout the 25+ acre campus.
Renewable and Sustainable Electricity Generation
In 2006, the Ogdensburg Power Plant was selected to participate in a trial program to study the viability of using biodiesel, a 100% renewable energy biofuel, to produce electricity and steam. During the test, Alliance utilized 250,000 gallons of biodiesel in one of its operating units - the largest amount of biofuel consumed in a fossil fuel generating plant in the United States.
While that study clearly demonstrated the environmental viability of using biofuels in power production applications resulting in little or no emission of greenhouse gases, Alliance does not believe that all biofuels are currently economically viable for long term power production. Therefore, in 2008, Alliance engaged in detailed engineering and feasibility studies to explore the possibility of converting that same Ogdensburg facility to use woody biomass to produce power. This project is in the advanced stages of development.
Alliance Energy operates hydro-electric generating facilities in the Catskill region of New York State. These three hydro facilities within the Mongaup System have a combined capacity of 12.5 MW. Advanced planning for additional capacity has already begun; and construction is scheduled to begin in 2012.
Alliance is in the process of increasing its hydro generating capacity through additional acquisitions, which are yet to be announced. Alliance is also involved in planning and engineering studies associated with a proposed hydro-kinetic facility in the St. Lawrence River near the Port of Ogdensburg, NY.
Alliance Energy continues to plan for expansion in renewable and sustainable energy opportunities throughout the northeastern United States, including the ongoing evaluation of clean coal technologies and opportunities through either retrofit or new project development.