DATE: September 12, 2023
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Director of Public Works
SUBJECT
Title
Russell City Energy Center: Adopt a Resolution Approving the Expenditure Plan for the Calpine Clean Energy Fund
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That Council reviews and comments on this report and adopts a resolution (Attachment II) approving an expenditure plan for the utilization of clean energy funding from Calpine.
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SUMMARY
The Russell City Energy Center (RCEC) is a 600-megawatt powerplant located in Hayward’s industrial area. The plant is owned and operated by the Calpine Corporation and began commercial operations in 2013. As Council is aware, on May 27, 2021, RCEC experienced a mechanical failure of the steam turbine generator that resulted in an explosion and fire. The steam turbine generator experienced extensive damage and debris from the explosion flew from the site to surrounding areas, including the City’s Water Pollution Control Facility (WPCF) and the City’s Homeless Navigation Center.
The City has entered into a Coordination, Resiliency, and Action Agreement with Calpine. The intent of the Agreement is to document improvements made in the working relationship between the City and Calpine as well as create a mechanism for donations to the Fire Department for the purchase of a hazardous materials response vehicle, to the Russell City Reparative Justice Project (RCRJP), and to the City to fund clean energy efficiency projects in the City. Energy related projects are intended to support grid resiliency and may include microgrids, solar energy, and/or battery storage installations. Staff is seeking Council comments and direction regarding a potential program that would carry out the clean energy funding portion of the Agreement.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment I Staff Report
Attachment II Resolution