Country United States Status Operational Primary fuel Bituminous coal Owner TECO Energy | Location Apollo Beach, Florida Commission date 1969,
last unit: 1985 Secondary fuel Distillate fuel oil | |
 | ||
Address 603 Big Bend Rd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572, USA | ||
Big Bend Power Station is a major coal-fired power plant, located across Tampa Bay from Tampa, Florida on nearly 1,500 acres (6 km2) in southeastern Hillsborough County, close to Apollo Beach. It is owned and operated by TECO Energy. Three similar units (each 445.5 MWe nameplate capacity) were launched in the early 1970s, followed by a newer 486-MWe unit 4 in 1985.
Contents
Manatee viewing center big bend power station teco tampa florida
Flue-gas desulfurizationEdit
The scrubber for Unit 4 began operation in 1984, and since 1995, has simultaneously scrubbed Unit 3 as well. The scrubber for Units 1 and 2 began operation at the end of 1999. According to TECO Energy, the scrubber system removes 95% of sulfur dioxide from all four units.
ManateesEdit
During the winter months, warm-water outfalls from the station draw dozens of West Indian manatees, an endangered species, to the immediate vicinity of the plant. In 1986, TECO set aside a manatee viewing area which is accessible to the public.