NL

New combustion turbine at Holyrood running at full capacity

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro says its new $120-million combustion turbine at the Holyrood generating station is now at full capacity.
Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro says a $120-million combustion turbine at Holyrood is now available at full capacity. (CBC)

Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro says its new $120-million combustion turbine at the Holyrood generating station is now available at full capacity.

The turbine was brought onto the province's power grid on Jan. 21.

Testing on the turbine has been underway since it was connected.

Hydro said the generator isn't for every day use. Rather, it's meant to provide backup generation in an emergency or high demand periods.

"This is a significant asset and it will strengthen our electricity system overall though the additional security of 123.5 megawatts of generation reserve," Hydro said in a statement.

The Crown corporation fast-tracked the installation of the turbine following the widespread power outages in January last year.