To support reliable power restoration during grid outages, San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) wanted to enhance its peaking plant with black start capability. The project required a solution that would deliver the necessary starting power for the gas turbine without exceeding local air quality regulations.
We served as SDG&E’s design engineer, evaluating multiple black start options, including microturbines and selective catalytic reduction systems, before selecting a larger gas-fired reciprocating engine genset that met both performance and emissions requirements.
Designed to fit
The project site, previously occupied by a retired gas turbine, required brownfield redevelopment and subsurface improvements. We worked within tight spatial constraints to integrate the new generator, coordinating with SDG&E’s gas division to install a new underground gas line and interface infrastructure. Pressure regulation and metering were designed to meet vendor specifications.
Electrical integration
We designed new infrastructure to connect the generator to the existing plant. Conductors were routed through an underground duct bank and overhead cable trays, supported by cantilevered steel attached to the plant’s sound wall columns. Our team provided interconnect support, reviewed new breakers and conducted a grounding coordination study to ensure safe and reliable operation.
Construction support
We collaborated with SDG&E’s internal teams, local engineering firms and contractors to deliver a complete demolition and construction package. The result was a 750-kW natural gas-fired black start generator that enables the 48-MW Pratt & Whitney FT8-2 Swift Pac gas turbine to restart independently and support other SDG&E facilities during outages.
