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Plants construction remains on schedule

PELKIE — Construction of the A.J. Mihm Generating Station is progressing on schedule, according to Amy Jahns, senior communications specialist with WEC Energy Group (WEC).

“We are currently in the process of constructing our engine building,” Jahns said.

After the flooding in June, WEC decided it was safer to store the three natural-gas-fired Wartsila 18 mW generators destined for the station on the dock in L’Anse.

“We’re currently planning to transport them to the site once the engine building is complete,” Jahns said. “That will occur in the fall.”

With the F.D. Kuester Generation Station being built in Marquette County, the two stations will produce up to 180 mW of power, replacing the Presque Isle Power Plant, which will be closed in 2019. The Presque Isle Power Plant has a maximum generating capacity of 359 mW.

“Although it has the capacity to generate more power, it hasn’t been needed,” Jahns said.

The plant has been averaging about 167 mW yearly.

The new plants combined will also require fewer employees, only 12 in total, according to Jahns. The Presque Isle plant still has over 100 employees. Jahns said WEC is still looking into different options for those employees once the plant is shut down. Offering them employment elsewhere in the company is on potential option.

“We are looking to retire a lot of our older fossil-fueled generating units,” Jahns said.

WEC’s goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but switching from coal to natural gas also eliminates toxins like sulfur dioxide and mercury. Burning natural gas emits mainly water vapor and carbon dioxide, making it much cleaner than coal. WEC still maintains coal plants, though.

“We’re preserving fuel diversity,” Jahns said.

They own plants that burn natural gas and coal, as well as renewable energy production like solar and wind.

The Baraga County station is named for Allan J. Mihm, who after 40 years still works for WEC as director of major projects. The Marquette County station is named for Frederick Kuester, former vice president with WEC’s predecessor, Wisconsin Energy Corporation.

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