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Princeton Road Station

Key Project Dates

Megaphone Icon
2025
Project announced
Clipboard Icon
2025
Pre-construction
activities begin

Shovel in Dirt Icon
Late 2026
Construction starts
Public Safety Awareness
Power plant icon
2029
PRS Phase 1
in service
Power plant icon
2032
PRS Phase 2 in service

Nebraska’s demand for electricity is continuing to grow. Many of the state’s existing companies are looking to expand their businesses, and new companies, particularly those within or related to the agriculture industry, are interested in planting roots in our communities. To prepare for anticipated future energy needs, we are hard at work in the present. Construction has begun on a new facility called Princeton Road Station (PRS). PRS is being built on NPPD-owned land adjacent to our existing plant, Sheldon Station, in southern Lancaster County, just north of Hallam.

Project Facts

  • The majority of these generation resources have dual fuel capability and can utilize diesel fuel to generate electricity when needed.
  • PRS will be constructed in two phases and will add a total of 1,411 megawatts to our fleet.
  • Located north of Sheldon Station on Princeton Road Station.
  • Estimated in service:
    Phase 1 - 2029
    Phase 2 - 2032
View printable facts sheetView facility rendering

How will PRS impact the local economy?

  • Currently, there are plans to hire approximately 41 teammates total to staff and run the new facility.

Why did NPPD choose these specific types of generation for PRS?

  • When adding any generation resources, NPPD carefully compares cost, risk, environmental attributes, operating flexibility, accredited capacity, and how the resources will complement our existing generation mix. As these factors were considered, CTs and RICE became the best options to add generation without sacrificing the reliability, resiliency, and affordability our customers have come to expect.

Will NPPD retire any generation facilities given the construction of Princeton Road Station?

  • NPPD does not have any plans to retire any of our generation facilities. Princeton Road Station will complement our existing fleet and strengthen our ability to provide low-cost, reliable electricity to Nebraskans now and in the future.

What is a RICE engine?

  • A Reciprocating Internal Combustion Engine converts heat energy by utilizing pistons that move back and forth in a cylinder. These engines have quick-start up capabilities, can run on a variety of fuel types and are economically efficient. They excel at responding to the grid’s need for flexible, quick power and can be used as both baseload and peaking power generation units.

What is a CT?

  • A Combustion Turbine is an internal combustion engine. CTs operate by drawing air in and compressing it; then the compressed air is heated to high temperatures creating gas; and the hot expanding gas flows through the turbines to rotate the blades and create energy. CTs are known for their high-power capacity and efficiency and are flexible depending on the amount of generation needed.

What road(s) will construction crews utilize?

  • During construction, contractors will utilize SW 42nd to access the site. Once the facility has been constructed, SW 42nd street will still be used by employees to enter PRS.

How will PRS impact the local economy?

  • Currently, there are plans to hire approximately 32 teammates to staff and run the new facility.

How will the construction of new generation impact rates?

  • We will fund Princeton Road Station through long-term bonds, with repayment costs included in electric rates over time to minimize impact. The new generation supports growing energy demand, and added load will help offset costs through increased revenue.
  • NPPD aims to keep rates low. We currently rank in the best 6.5% nationally for retail rates and 10.8% for wholesale rates, based on benchmarking from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and Cooperative Finance Corporation, respectively.

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