NRG Energy to Buy Statoil Energy's Thermal Systems

NRG Thermal, a wholly owned subsidiary of NRG Energy, signed an agreement with Statoil Energy to acquire Harrisburg Steam Works and Statoil Energy Power/Paxton—both in Harrisburg, PA. These systems join NRG Thermal's other operating subsidiaries in Minneapolis and St. Paul, MN; San Francisco and San Diego, CA; Grand Forks, ND; and Pittsburgh, PA. The financial terms of the agreement weren't disclosed.

"We are pleased about the addition of the Harrisburg systems to our thermal energy business," said Michael Carroll, president of NRG Thermal. "Statoil's operations in Harrisburg are the perfect mix. There's a steam district heating system, a cogeneration facility, a chilled-water plant and a large bore diesel engine service business—great diversity. We are confident the combination will mean continued growth for NRG Thermal and added value for the Harrisburg community."

Harrisburg Steam Works has a 100-year tradition of quality district heating service in downtown Harrisburg. The company's steam system currently provides steam to more than 300 residential, commercial and industrial customers, including the city of Harrisburg and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and continues to grow, Carroll said.

Statoil Energy Power/Paxton is a cogeneration facility capable of supplying nearly 30% of the steam requirements for Harrisburg Steam Works and a chiller plant that serves the Harrisburg Hospital. A nationwide diesel engine service business, which leverages the company's expertise in engineered maintenance, control systems and repair of large stationary diesel engine power generation systems, is also an operating unit.

Carroll said that Bill Goodwin, current president of Harrisburg Steam Works would continue as general manager for NRG Thermal's Harrisburg-based businesses.

Edited by April C. Murelio
editor@poweronline.com