
The Kendall Cogeneration Station is a shining example of sustainable energy in action. It's located in Miami-Dade County, Florida, and has been operational since 1961.
This facility is a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, which means it generates both electricity and steam from a single fuel source. The steam is then used to power nearby industrial processes.
The Kendall Cogeneration Station is a model for sustainable energy because it reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50%. This is achieved by using natural gas as the primary fuel source, which produces fewer emissions than traditional fossil fuels.
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Technology and Process
The Kendall Cogeneration Station is a medium-sized power plant that's been around since the 1940s. It was converted to natural gas and then upgraded to use waste heat from burning fuel for heating.
The plant's natural gas turbines are its workhorses, burning natural gas to generate electricity. There are three of them altogether.
The turbines burn natural gas to generate electricity, and the hot gases from the combustion are captured to make steam. This steam is then pumped through a district heating system for space heating in buildings.
The plant's operators plan to build a steam pipeline to connect to the existing underground district heating network, which will eliminate hot water discharge into the Charles River and boost the plant's efficiency to over 90 percent.
Kendall Cogeneration Station
The Kendall Cogeneration Station is a remarkable example of efficient energy production. Located in Cambridge, Massachusetts, it's been in operation since 1949.
The station produces both steam and electricity, serving the cities of Boston and Cambridge. It's a thermal power station that primarily runs on natural gas.
Vicinity Energy, the current owner, has been responsible for its operations since 2020. The company acquired Veolia Energy North America, which previously owned the plant from 2013.
The Kendall Station has undergone significant upgrades over the years. In the 1940s, it was converted to natural gas, and later it was upgraded to use waste heat from burning fuel for heating.
Here's a brief timeline of the station's ownership:
Cogeneration Underground for Efficiency
The Kendall Station in Boston is a great example of a cogeneration facility that's been upgraded to use waste heat from burning fuel for heating. It's now a relatively energy-efficient combined heat and power facility.
District heating infrastructure has been around since the 19th century and is already built under many cities around the world. This infrastructure allows for the efficient distribution of heat to buildings.
The Kendall Station uses gas turbines that burn natural gas to generate electricity, with the hot gases from combustion used to make steam. This steam is then pumped through a district heating system for space heating in buildings.
The Kendall Station has a high efficiency rate of over 90 percent, which is a significant boost from its previous efficiency. This is due to the planned use of all waste heat for commercial buildings in Cambridge and Boston.
France-based Veolia Energy owns and operates a number of district heating systems in the U.S., serving commercial customers like hospitals, universities, and high-rise buildings.
Environmental Impact
The Kendall Cogeneration Station's environmental impact is a concern that's closely monitored. The plant pulls in millions of gallons of water per day from the Charles River to condense steam.
This water is then discharged back into the river, hotter than when it was taken in. The plant tracks water temperatures and the number of dead fish per day, but fortunately, the number of dead fish has not exceeded a few per day.
Water Discharge Channel
The water discharge channel is a vital part of the plant's operations, but it also has an impact on the environment. The plant pulls in millions of gallons of water per day from the Charles River to condense the steam.
The plant monitors water temperatures closely, which is a good thing, because it's essential to keep the water quality in check. The plant also keeps track of how many dead fish there are per day, which is a sign of the water's health.
The number of dead fish per day is surprisingly low, staying under the limit of a few a day. This suggests that the plant is doing a good job of monitoring and maintaining the water quality.
Veolia Achieves Final Green Steam Milestone

Veolia has achieved a significant milestone in its green steam project, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25,000 tons per year.
This reduction in emissions is equivalent to taking 5,000 cars off the road, making a noticeable impact on the environment.
The green steam project uses waste heat from a nearby power plant to generate steam, reducing the need for fossil fuels and lowering emissions.
This innovative approach to energy production is a testament to Veolia's commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint.
The project has also created new revenue streams for Veolia, increasing its revenue by 10 million euros per year.
By reducing its reliance on fossil fuels and generating steam from waste heat, Veolia is not only reducing emissions but also increasing its profitability.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Veolia Transport
Achievements and Benefits
The Kendall Cogeneration Station has achieved some impressive milestones. The plant has been in operation since 1984, providing reliable energy to the community for over three decades.
One of the station's key benefits is its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By generating electricity and steam from a single fuel source, the plant reduces its carbon footprint by 70% compared to traditional power plants.
The Kendall Cogeneration Station has also improved air quality in the surrounding area. By burning natural gas, the plant produces fewer pollutants and particulate matter than coal-fired power plants.
The station's efficiency has allowed it to supply both electricity and steam to nearby industrial facilities. This reduces the need for additional energy sources and decreases energy costs for these businesses.
The Kendall Cogeneration Station has become a model for sustainable energy production. Its innovative design and operation have set a high standard for the industry.
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