Sandow Unit 5

2 x 300MW Units, Rockdale, Texas, United States

Sandow Unit 5 was a significant component of the Sandow Power Plant complex located near Rockdale, Texas. Commissioned in 2009, this unit played a crucial role in the region’s energy production until its retirement in 2018.

Location: Rockdale, Texas

Configuration: 2 x 300MW Units

Total Capacity: 600MW

Technology: Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB)

Commercial Operation: 2009

Notable Features:

Advanced emissions control systems
High reliability record
Advanced control implementation
Industrial power supply

Technical Specifications

Capacity: Approximately 581 megawatts (MW)
Fuel Source: Texas lignite coal
Operational Timeline: 2009 – January 2018

Operational History

Sandow Unit 5 was developed by Luminant (formerly TXU), a subsidiary of Vistra Energy, to enhance the power generation capacity of the existing Sandow Power Plant complex. Despite its advanced technology, Unit 5 faced economic challenges due to sustained low wholesale power prices, an oversupplied renewable generation market, and low natural gas prices. These factors led to the decision by Luminant to retire the unit in January 2018.

Conclusion

Sandow Unit 5’s operational period reflects the transitional phase in the energy sector, where economic and environmental factors have led to a shift from traditional coal-fired plants to cleaner energy sources.