Ebara Elliott Energy (EEE) has revealed plans for a substantial electrical infrastructure upgrade at its manufacturing facility in Jeannette, Pennsylvania. The upgrade will bolster the company’s ability to test compressors and electrical equipment up to 100 MW, approximately equivalent to 134,102 horsepower.
This move is part of EEE’s strategy to stay at the forefront of the industry’s shift towards greater electrification of large-scale primary drivers. Ron Josefczyk, Vice President of Global Manufacturing, emphasized that the upgrade will position Ebara Elliott Energy as a leader in large horsepower compressor testing, offering a comprehensive solution for manufacturing, testing, and servicing turbomachinery. Few global companies, he noted, can match the breadth of capabilities EEE will offer.
The groundwork for the project began in late 2022, with feasibility studies conducted in collaboration with FirstEnergy. This was followed by a thorough phase of assessments, planning, and engineering by the EEE team. The project officially broke ground in August 2024, with the installation of a new electrical line connecting a local substation to the Jeannette facility. Drilling for new utility poles commenced in October 2024, and EEE anticipates that the upgrade will be completed and fully operational by the third quarter of 2025.
Key elements of the upgrade include the installation of a Main 138kV breaker, which will provide protection and manage the on/off function of incoming utility power. Additionally, a 100 MVA power transformer will step down the 138kV utility power to a usable 34.5kV within the Jeannette facility. To ensure stable voltage, a series of capacitor banks will regulate fluctuations, protecting both the facility’s equipment and other customers on the same 138kV service line from power surges or dips. Protection for downstream electrical equipment will be provided by the 34.5kV breakers.
The upgrade is expected to improve EEE’s energy infrastructure, supporting the company’s commitment to meeting growing customer demands and adhering to evolving environmental standards.
Mark Babyak, Vice President of New Apparatus Sales, highlighted the strategic importance of the upgrade, especially in the LNG market. “Expanding our testing capabilities in Jeannette will allow us to better support customers transitioning to greener energy solutions, helping to create a more sustainable future,” he said.
This facility enhancement reflects EEE’s ongoing investment in innovation and capacity building, ensuring that it remains a critical player in the global turbomachinery sector.
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