Area Development
EmberClear Corp, a Calgary, Alberta, Canada-based energy developer focused on developing low emission projects using natural gas to create electricity or transportation fuels, plans to build a $400 million, 300 megawatt, natural gas-fired power plant west of Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Good Spring Natural Gas Combined Cycle power plant, constructed in Schuylkill County's rich Marcellus shale region, will use the latest turbine technology to supply enough electricity for approximately 300,000 households. The firm said during construction, the power project will employ approximately 500 workers, culminating in the creation of dozens of full time positions for plant operations. The economic impact to the surrounding area is expected to be more than $1 billion over 15 years.

Jim Palumbo, President of Future Power Pennsylvania Inc, a subsidiary of EmberClear, said the Good Spring NGCC project is on schedule to commission in 2015. The project, which can utilize both natural and synthetic gas, is expected to break ground in 2013.

"We expect the U.S. natural gas-based power market to rapidly expand over the next decade, especially in the Marcellus Shale geography where Good Spring NGCC is situated. SK E & C has been adding jobs in the U.S. in response and preparation for this opportunity," said Keith Clause, Chief Executive Officer, SK E&C USA.

Frank Zukas, President of the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation in eastern Pennsylvania, said he believes the Good Spring plant will be a great addition to the region for many reasons. "This assures affordable power and cleaner air for the future. Also, the new wave of gas power plants supports a healthier and more sustainable job market opportunity for the Commonwealth," Zukas said. Information on incentives offered by county and state officials was not immediately available.