Great Plains Power Inc. has selected the engineering firm Burns & McDonnell to assist in the development and design of Weston Bend I, a coal-fired power plant located at a site near Weston, Missouri, with an expected output of 500 to 900 megawatts. With the addition of Burns & McDonnell to the alliance with Babcock & Wilcox, Great Plains Power has reunited the same team that rebuilt Hawthorn No. 5, a 550-megawatts, coal-fired plant constructed in 22 months rather than the industry norm of 36 months. This trio is collaborating on the design, supply and construction issues that will affect the optimum configuration and final operating capacity of the facility. Steve Easley, president and CEO of Great Plains Power, said: “Having the same team working on Weston Bend I that worked on Hawthorn No. 5 gives us a jump start. Burns & McDonnell shares our vision and brings the resources necessary to accomplish our aggressive goals.” He continued, “We are focused on designing, permitting and constructing a facility that is environmentally sound, cost effective, highly reliable and an appropriate investment for our shareholders.”
