Project Owner
CalPeak Power, LLC
Docket Number
01-EP-14
Capacity
49.5 MW
Location
San Diego County
Technology
Simple Cycle
Project Status
Operational (Natural Gas-Fired)
Project Type
Emergency Peaker
Project Description

The Border Project (Border) is located in the Otay Mesa section of the City of San Diego, San Diego County.

Border is a nominal 49.5 megawatt (MW) simple-cycle, natural gas-fired peaking facility utilizing one FT8 Pratt & Whitney Twinpac gas-fired turbine system consisting of two engines connected to a common generator. The project incorporates selective catalytic reduction to reduce project emissions.

Border was reviewed under Public Resources Code section 25705, which granted the California Energy Commission (CEC) emergency permitting authority, and Executive Order D-26-01, issued February 8, 2001 and Executive Order D-28-01 issued on March 7, 2001. In Executive Order D-26-01 and D-28-01, the Governor ordered the CEC and other relevant state and local agencies to expedite review of proposed thermal power plants for construction and operation on an emergency basis by September 30, 2001. The Governor also declared that these projects were emergency projects under Public Resources Code section 21080(b)(4) and are thereby exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.

The CEC Final Decision included a provision that would allow for the certification to be extended for the life of the project, provided that the conditions of certification were current and in compliance, the project was permanent in nature, and air emission credits were in place. On April 11, 2012, the CEC approved the extension (TN 64746) of the Border project for the life of the facility, until such time that it ceases operations and commences permanent closure activities.

On December 14, 2022, the California Energy Commission (CEC) approved an Order (TN 248168) allowing the installation of 1) interconnection of a battery energy storage system, the Border BESS, at the low side of the existing generator step-up unit/main power transformer and the use of common facilities, and 2) to identify Hermes BESS LLC as the party that will have legal responsibility for the operation of the Border BESS and responsibility for compliance with the CEC conditions of certification and applicable laws, ordinances, regulations, and standards for the Border BESS Project. While the battery system will be located on the existing Border Project site, the Border natural gas facility and BESS will have separate ownership and obligations under the conditions of certification, the two facilities will share some common infrastructure components.

Power Plant Certification and Exemption Processes

The CEC has the exclusive authority to certify all thermal power plants 50 megawatts (MW) and larger and related facilities proposed for construction in California. The Application for Certification (AFC) process is a certified regulatory program under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As a certified regulatory program, the CEC does not prepare environmental impact reports (EIRs) in an AFC proceeding, but instead prepares environmental assessment documents that are functionally equivalent to EIRs. A certificate issued by the CEC is in lieu of any permit, certificate, or similar document otherwise required by any state, local or regional agency, or federal agency to the extent permitted by federal law, and supersedes any applicable statute, ordinance, or regulation of any state, local, or regional agency, or federal agency to the extent permitted by federal law.

Original Proceeding

e-Commenting has been closed. Please submit your comments in compliance proceeding above.

Docket Log (01-EP-14)

Exhibit List

Proof of Service List

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Contacts

Project Manager

Joseph Douglas
CME@energy.ca.gov
(Please enter project name in the email subject line)
916-956-9527

Public Participation Questions

Public Advisor
publicadvisor@energy.ca.gov
916-269-9595

Media Inquiries

Media & Public Communications Office
mediaoffice@energy.ca.gov
916-654-4989

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