wiredinUSA March 2015

INDEX

Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) will add solar energy to its generation assets following the Indiana utility regulatory commission's approval of the company’s plans for five solar facilities with a combined capacity of nearly 16MW. Three of the facilities will be in the Michiana area, including two in St Joseph County, and one near Watervliet, Michigan. A fourth will be in Marion, Indiana, and a fifth location is yet to be finalized. “Our Clean Energy solar pilot project is a significant step forward for Indiana Michigan Power,” said Paul Chodak III, I&M’s president and chief operating officer. “This historic utility-scale solar project will further diversify I&M’s generation sources, creating flexibility to economically and reliably provide energy under a multitude of potential circumstances.” “Most importantly, I&M will own and operate these facilities andgainfirst-handexperience in thedesignandconstruction of utility-scale solar projects as well as integrating solar energy reliably into the grid,” Chodak added. The four confirmed facilities will be on I&M property near existing and future I&M substations, minimizing the cost of delivering the energy to the transmission grid. The estimated cost of the project is $38 million. Indiana Michigan Power operates 3,595MW of coal-fired generation in Indiana, 2,110MW of nuclear generation in Michigan and 22MW of hydro generation in both states. The company also provides 250MW of purchased wind generation. Generating variety

Poster showcase

At IWCS 2014, Saco Polymers showcased its latest development in ceramifiablecompound technology, with a research paper and poster highlighting the potential cost savings and performance of the material in tray cable jacketing applications. Formulated to meet stringent UL 1277 tray cable standards, with enhanced fire performance properties while preserving flexibility, the new ceramifiable compound extends the range of halogen-free compounds available from Saco Polymers. The new compound technology can also be used in other high performance cable applications.

The research paper was presented by Zdenka B Stryczek PhD and David G Roberts, MS chief technology officer. The poster illustrates the use of ceramifiable technology in compound formulation and the science behind strong char formation in cable jackets when exposed to fire. This new technology may be applied to different cable constructions where enhanced fire retardant properties, flexibility and fire resistance are required. The poster won the best poster award at IWCS 2014.

wiredInUSA - March 2015

wiredInUSA - March 2015

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