New England to Shut Its Last Coal Power Plant, Pivots to Renewable Energy

Boston, Mar 28 AP - In a significant move for environmental advocacy, the last coal-fired power plant in New England, Merrimack Station in New Hampshire, is slated for closure by June 2028. This decision comes as part of an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), marking a pivotal shift towards renewable energy in the region. Granite Shore Power, the entity behind this transition, has also announced plans to transform the site into New Hampshire's inaugural renewable energy park, featuring solar power and battery storage systems.

Additionally, Granite Shore Power will close Schiller Station in Portsmouth by December 2025. This facility, capable of utilizing oil, coal, and biomass, has been inactive for several years. The closure of these plants is a testament to the commitment of transitioning away from coal and towards cleaner energy sources, as stated by Jim Andrews, CEO of Granite Shore Power.

The Merrimack Station, a 460-megawatt facility in Bow, has been a contentious issue among environmental groups for years. It was previously owned by Eversource until 2018 when it was sold to Connecticut-based Granite Shore Power. The Sierra Club and the Conservation Law Foundation had filed a lawsuit against the plant's owners for allegedly violating the Clean Water Act by discharging heated water back into the Merrimack River.

Climate activists have also voiced their concerns regarding the plant's contribution to air pollution. In a notable protest last year, activists navigated canoes and kayaks to the plant site, resulting in arrests after trespassing onto the property. This closure is hailed as a historic victory by Ben Jealous, Sierra Club Executive Director, emphasizing the positive impact on air quality and water safety for New Hampshire and New England residents.

The announcement positions New Hampshire as the 16th state to eliminate coal from its energy mix and marks New England as the second coal-free region in the United States. However, it's important to note that a significant portion of the region's energy still comes from natural gas, which primarily consists of methane—a greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to global warming.

Gina McCarthy, Bloomberg Philanthropies Senior Advisor and former White House National Climate Advisor, praised the persistent efforts of New Englanders in advocating for cleaner energy alternatives. She highlighted that moving away from coal not only benefits public health and the planet but also supports economic growth.

This transition underscores a broader trend towards sustainable energy solutions and reflects a growing recognition of the environmental and health risks associated with fossil fuel consumption. As New England moves forward with its clean energy initiatives, it sets an example for other regions to follow in combating climate change and promoting renewable energy sources.