New hybrid energy plant in Colorado to combine gas, wind and solar

Weld County approves mega hybrid electric plantLast week, Weld County, Colo., Commissioners approved Harrison Resource Corporation’s plans for development of Niobrara Energy Park, a 640-acre project that will integrate natural gas and renewable energy generation facilities, including solar.

With zoning approvals in place, the greenfield project is now for the construction-planning phase.

“Our next step is working with the various companies, institutions, and other organizations that have expressed enthusiasm for Niobrara Energy Park,” said Craig Harrison, president of Harrison Resource, the project developer. “This area of Colorado is already home to numerous clean energy initiatives, projects and businesses, and we are excited to plan one of the country’s first hybrid energy parks here.”

Niobrara Energy Park will use on and offsite renewable energy and clean natural gas from the Niobrara, one of the hottest oil and gas shale areas in the country. The park will have a research facility for scientists, engineers, institutions, and others to research energy systems integration, renewable energy, smart grid and energy storage.

In addition to a 200-acre solar farm, the facility will incorporate traditional gas-fired technology, and according to Harrison, the location is well-suited for transmission.

“Niobrara Energy Park is situated in the perfect location, strategically between gas and electric hubs, allowing for stabilization of grid energy and peak demands,” said Harrison. “Downstream from the park, we have the largest electric trading hub in Colorado. By combining alternative energy generation and a new natural gas firming power plant, you can level the flow of all of these energy sources.”

However, there is still no word on whether all the different electric-generation facilities will be built at once or in succession.

“It will be interesting to watch the evolution of this park—will we develop it one piece at a time, or will one party step forward to join forces with us to build Niobrara Energy Park as a single, comprehensive project? Either way, I’m very excited to bring such an important and historic center to Colorado.”

Pictured: An artist’s rendering of the park once it is completed.