Final Shutdown of Indian River Power Plant
DAGSBORO — The coal-fired power generation era in Delaware has officially ended with the closure of NRG’s Indian River Power Plant Unit 4. The facility, which had been in operation for nearly 68 years, ceased operations on February 23.
NRG announced the planned closure in June 2021 after poor results in a PJM Interconnection power capacity auction. Although initially scheduled for shutdown by June 2022, PJM requested the plant remain operational until grid enhancements were completed. The final infrastructure upgrades were finished in December 2024, leading to the early termination of Unit 4, which had been scheduled for retirement in 2026.
Energy Concerns and Legislative Responses
Following the plant’s closure, concerns over energy supply and grid reliability have surfaced among state legislators. Rep. Danny Short, R-Seaford, voiced his concerns, stating:
“This is truly a supply issue, and we do not have what we would call generation sufficient on the grid to allow us to do a lot of things we’d like to do.”
Short also suggested revisiting the Indian River facility and a dormant power site at the former Seaford DuPont plant, arguing that these resources should not be left unused.
Meanwhile, a new legislative initiative seeks to explore nuclear energy as an alternative. Senate Concurrent Resolution 18, sponsored by Sen. Bryant Richardson, R-Seaford, and Rep. Jeff Hilovsky, R-Millsboro, proposes forming the Delaware Nuclear Energy Feasibility Task Force to assess the viability of small modular reactors in the state’s energy portfolio.
Renewable Energy Debates and Policy Shifts
The shutdown of Indian River Power Plant has reignited discussions about Delaware’s renewable energy targets. Currently, the state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandates that 25% of electricity come from renewable sources, with an increase to 40% by 2035. However, some legislators argue these targets are unrealistic given the current availability of renewable resources.
Rep. Mike Smith, R-Pike Creek, has introduced legislation to reduce the RPS to 10% and freeze it for 10 years, citing concerns that Delaware lacks sufficient renewable infrastructure to meet the existing mandate.
According to the State Energy Office, Delaware currently has 10,000 solar installations producing 241 megawatts of energy—far less than the 410 megawatts previously generated by the Indian River plant. The Senate Republican Caucus emphasized the need for a diverse energy mix, warning against policies that make it unfeasible for traditional energy sources to remain operational.
“All forms of energy generation are needed for a reliable, sustainable grid,” the caucus stated.
As Delaware moves forward, the challenge remains to balance sustainability goals with grid reliability, ensuring an efficient and resilient energy future for the state.
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