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Marking a significant milestone in its Powering the Future initiative, Muscatine Power and Water (MPW) has received a “Certificate of Public Convenience, Use and Necessity” from the Iowa Utilities Commission for Unit 10, its new 35-megawatt combined heat and power (CHP) generating facility.
Dubbed “EcoGen 10“, the CHP unit is highly regarded for its efficient design and has received endorsements from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Department of Energy (DOE), and the Iowa Economic Development Authority due to its efficient use of energy.
MPW's EcoGen 10 green and black logo
“Receiving this certificate is a pivotal step in our journey towards a more sustainable and reliable energy future,” said General Manager Gage Huston. “EcoGen 10 will not only enhance our power generation capabilities but also significantly contribute to our emission reduction goals.”

Unit 10, a natural gas-fueled generating unit capable of co-firing up to 10% hydrogen blends, will be located on approximately five acres of MPW’s generation site. It is anticipated to be one of the most efficient baseload generation resources available, with a nearly 75% efficiency. Unit 10 will also generate an average of 320,000 pounds per hour of processed steam, which will be sold to an adjacent industrial customer.

“The CHP unit’s efficient design and its ability to produce steam energy for our industrial customer make it an ideal addition to our power generation portfolio,” said Greg Slonka, director of power production and supply. “This project will reduce fuel supply costs, lower emissions, and bolster grid reliability. By leveraging natural gas and the flexibility to incorporate hydrogen blends, we are taking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Muscatine.”

Multiple power supply studies have concluded that a CHP unit is the most compatible with MPW’s generating needs. “We are excited to move forward with this project and continue to provide reliable and efficient energy to our community,” Slonka added.

Ground preparation for MPW’s Unit 10 has already begun with construction activity gearing up this year, culminating with the unit coming online in early 2028. MPW intends to utilize a portion of the infrastructure supporting retired generation unit 8A to support Unit 10’s grid interconnection, ensuring a seamless transition and further enhancing the efficiency of its operations.

Huston, commented, “A lot of work and study have gone into this project over the past few years and we’re proud of our progress with Unit 10. This new addition to our generating assets reflects our ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to the evolving energy landscape. I’m thrilled to see continued investment in local resources, powered by our local team of MPW employees at the power plant, to help keep our system reliable and resilient for decades to come.”
rendering of EcoGen 10 with building and landscape
Since its inception in 1922, the MPW Electric Utility has relied on coal-fired, thermal generating resources which not only provide for the local system load but are “dispatchable” into the larger electrical grid. In 2016, MPW invested in South Fork Wind Farm which provides about 6% of the Utility’s annual energy. Adding more renewable energy is also in the works, with the 24- Megawatt Muscatine Solar 1, currently going through permitting processes. MPW remains hopeful that grid interconnection permits will be granted allowing the project to start construction.