PacifiCorp has submitted an update to its 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to the Wyoming Public Service Commission. The IRP outlines the utility's energy sourcing plans for the next 20 years and includes installing carbon capture technology on two coal-fired units at the Jim Bridger Power Plant.
Governor Mark Gordon praised the move, noting that previous IRPs focused on eliminating coal plants. In response, the Wyoming Legislature passed bills in 2019 and 2020 requiring utilities to consider selling coal units before closing them and to evaluate carbon capture technology to meet CO2 standards.
Governor Gordon called the inclusion of carbon capture in the IRP "a remarkable change of direction" that could benefit Wyoming, its consumers, and PacifiCorp's customers if proven economically viable.