Omaha Public Power District has been working with a contracted team to move a simple-cycle generator and turbine set from Siemens Energy to Turtle Creek Station (TCS), one of two natural gas generation balancing plants currently under construction.
The first set was moved to that site, 168th Street and Fairview Road in Papillion, in two parts during the last week of October and into November. The move for the second set began on the evening of December 11, as the second generator was hauled to TCS. The final move, of the second natural gas turbine, is set for tonight.
Heavy equipment moves to OPPD’s new natural gas plants are carefully planned to take place in the late evening and overnight hours to minimize traffic disruption in the area, as brief road closures may be needed.
Just one of the TCS turbines loaded on a trailer weighs about 862,000 pounds. Together, the truck and trailer set-up is 196 feet long. The equipment arrives to our area by rail before being loaded on a trailer for the final leg of its journey from a local rail spur station to the plant.
OPPD and contracted large equipment movers coordinate with city, county and state officials, as well as members of law enforcement, to ensure the safety of the public and workers along the route. If members of the public come across this move, we ask that they refrain from approaching employees, contractors or vehicles and stay far back from the work taking place so that we can complete it safely.
TCS is one of two new plants being constructed as part of OPPD’s Power with Purpose (PwP) initiative to add up to 600 megawatts (MW) of utility-scale solar and 600 MW of natural gas generation. The other, Standing Bear Lake Station (SBLS), is located near 120th Street and Military Road. OPPD’s diverse energy mix will help us power our growing communities, prioritizing reliability and resiliency, while continuing our commitment to net-zero carbon by 2050. To learn more, please visit OPPDCommunityConnect.com.