The Omaha Public Power District (OPPD) is partnering with Kiewit Corporation to enhance Nebraska’s energy infrastructure. The collaboration includes designing, procuring and constructing three new natural gas generation units at OPPD’s Cass County Station and one additional unit at the Turtle Creek Station. These efforts are critical to meeting growing power demands in the region while ensuring system reliability.
Each new unit, with a generation capacity of up to 225 megawatts, features rapid startup capabilities, making them essential for responding to fluctuating grid and load demands. The facilities will complement renewable energy sources and storage solutions, offering a cost-effective approach to maintaining reliability and regulatory compliance.
In addition to new construction, Kiewit’s power division will convert two natural gas units at the Cass County Station to dual-fuel operation, allowing them to run on both natural gas and fuel oil. This upgrade enhances operational flexibility, particularly during peak winter demands or periods of natural gas scarcity.
When completed, the new turbines will collectively generate approximately 900 megawatts, approximately the summer peak load of the city of Lincoln, Nebraska. Kiewit is set to begin detailed design work, with construction expected to start in early spring 2025. The project supports OPPD’s transition from coal-fired generation and strengthens the energy grid’s capacity in alignment with the Southwest Power Pool’s increased planning reserve margin requirements.
The upgrades will support the region’s energy needs and contribute to the long-term resilience and reliability of Nebraska’s power grid.
