Essex Generating Station

The Essex Generating Station is a peaking power plant on the banks of the Passaic River, three miles east of Downtown in Newark, New Jersey.^[1] The station was a major part of New Jersey’s energy infrastructure, transitioning from a coal-fired power plant to a modern peaking facility before closing in 2022. Its history mirrors broader changes in electricity production and grid operations. However, the plant also contributed to environmental issues affecting Newark and surrounding areas. Concerns over pollution, regulatory violations, and environmental justice remain influential in shaping local policy and community efforts.^[2][3][4]

The station operated in an area with persistent air quality concerns. Emissions of hazardous air pollutants, such as 1,3-butadiene, acetaldehyde, and acrolein, were recorded, although at relatively low levels. The plant is located in the Ironbound neighborhood, an area identified as an environmental justice community due to the cumulative impact of multiple pollution sources, including other fossil fuel facilities and a major waste incinerator.^[5][2]

Owned by the Public Service Electric and Gas Company, it was designed and constructed in 1915–16 and by 1924 six generators had been installed, totaling 214,444 kva.^[6]

The plant operated four simple cycle combustion turbines with a combined capacity of 617 MW. Three were brought on line in 1971, and another in 1990.^[7] They were later replaced.^[8]

The plant sustained extensive damage during Hurricane Sandy,^[9] exposing the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to extreme weather events. In response, substantial investments were made in grid hardening and flood protection measures in subsequent years.^[2]

It is part of the PJM Interconnection of the Eastern Interconnection grid electric transmission system.^[10]