In a long-awaited victory for environmentalists, New Hampshire’s Merrimack Station, the last coal-fired power plant in New England, is poised to close its doors by June 2028. This monumental decision marks a significant milestone in the region’s transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
A Landmark Agreement
Granite Shore Power, the plant’s owner, reached an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to expedite the closure process. As part of the deal, the site will be transformed into the state’s first-ever renewable energy park, hosting solar power and battery storage systems.
Jim Andrews, CEO of Granite Shore Power, expressed the company’s unwavering commitment to transitioning away from coal towards a greener future. “This voluntary agreement with the EPA is a testament to our dedication to protecting our environment and investing in clean energy solutions,” he said.
Granite Shore Power has agreed to close the Merrimack Station plant in Bow, the last of its kind in New England.
Years of Environmental Activism
Merrimack Station has long been a lightning rod for environmentalists, who have decried its impact on air and water quality. The plant’s cooling process draws vast amounts of water from the Merrimack River, raising its temperature and potentially harming aquatic life.
Climate activists have tirelessly campaigned for the plant’s closure, organizing rallies and protests. In one notable incident, they paddled canoes and kayaks down the river and onto the plant’s property, ultimately leading to arrests.
Ben Jealous, Executive Director of the Sierra Club, hailed the announcement as a “historic victory” for communities and the environment. “New Hampshire and all of New England will soon experience the benefits of cleaner air and safer water,” he declared.
Towards a Coal-Free Future
The closure of Merrimack Station marks a significant milestone in New Hampshire’s transition to a coal-free economy. The state is poised to join 15 others in the US that have already eliminated coal power. However, the region still relies heavily on natural gas, which emits methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Despite these challenges, environmentalists remain optimistic about the future. Gina McCarthy, Bloomberg Philanthropies Senior Advisor and former White House National Climate Advisor, praised the announcement as a triumph for New England’s environment. “Today’s decision is the result of tireless efforts by individuals who believed in a cleaner, healthier future for our economy and our planet,” she said.
As New Hampshire closes the chapter on coal-fired power, it opens a new era focused on renewable energy and a more sustainable environment for generations to come.
