Pendergraft: AES Redondo Essential to Plans for Renewable Power

A rebuilt AES Redondo Beach is necessary to provide electricity when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing, AES Southland President Eric Pendergraft writes in a recent opinion piece in the Easy Reader.

The current plant, which uses ocean water to cool the superheated steam that spins the turbines in a process known as once-through cooling, must be retired by 2020 in accordance with state regulations.

Pendergraft and other AES officials believe that a rebuilt plant would be quieter, more efficient and run cleaner; opponents argue that the new plant would run more often (and release more pollutants), continue to depress property values and remain what they call a blighting influence on the waterfront.

• Complete coverage: AES Redondo Beach Power Plant Debate

Opponents also say the plant is unnecessary—studies projecting electricity demand in 2020 show an excess number of megawatts being produced in the region.

In his essay, Pendergraft calls that assumption "dangerous," noting that the potential shutdown of the two 1,100-megawatt units at San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station over the summer could create blackouts.

AES' proposed new plant would run at 630 megawatts, according to a presentation given at a City Council meeting in November. The current plant has a capacity of more than 1,300 megawatts.

If anti-power plant groups Building a Better Redondo and No Power Plant have their way, AES' 52-acre site will be rezoned for a mixture of parkland and commercial/institutional use, and the plant won't be rebuilt.

AES, on the other hand, has said the leftover land resulting from the new plant's smaller footprint could be used for a park. Company officials have encouraged cooperation between the city and AES.

"AES wants to work together with the City of Redondo Beach and the community to move forward with a win-win-win solution," Pendergraft writes in the Easy Reader opinion piece. "We get a sustainable business plan and modernized facility to help power the future. The community gets reliable electricity, dramatically improved views and new beneficial uses for more than 30 acres of property and the City of Redondo Beach gets more revenue and avoids costly opposition campaigns."

• Full story: Redondo Beach's AES Can Help Set Green Standard [Easy Reader]