Wolf Hollow II Generating Station will perform testing on steam generator safety valves from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24 and Friday, Oct. 25 as part of the plant’s safety program. This testing may result in the actuation of our safety valves, which would vent steam (water vapor) into the atmosphere and may briefly create a loud noise. The steam is high temperature demineralized water used for electricity production. This type of testing is required by federal and state law to ensure pressurized systems at Wolf Hollow II operate safely while providing reliable power to the Texas electric grid.  

We’re communicating this now so the community is aware of what’s happening and is not alarmed if this noise occurs next week. If you have questions, please reach out to Constellation Government Affairs Manager Jordan Steinberger at jordyn.steinberger@constellation.com.

On the afternoon of Oct. 16, Wolf Hollow II came offline due to an unexpected gas supply disruption outside the control of the plant. As a result, a steam release occurred that created a loud noise for about 45 seconds and vented steam (water vapor) into the atmosphere.

Wolf Hollow performed as designed and operated safely during the event. At no time was there any risk to the community or site employees.

The site has resolved the issue and Wolf Hollow has returned to service, providing reliable energy to the Texas electric grid.
 

Wolf Hollow II Generating Station will perform testing on steam generator safety valves from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22 and Wednesday, Oct. 23 as part of the plant’s safety program.  This testing may result in the actuation of our safety valves, which would vent steam (water vapor) into the atmosphere and may briefly create a loud noise. The steam is high temperature demineralized water used for electricity production.  This type of testing is required by federal and state law to ensure pressurized systems at Wolf Hollow II operate safely while providing reliable power to the Texas electric grid.  

We’re communicating this now so the community is aware of what’s happening and is not alarmed if this noise occurs next week. If you have questions, please reach out to Constellation Government Affairs Manager Jordan Steinberger at jordyn.steinberger@constellation.com.
 

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Constellation has filed to potentially bring 300 megawatts of additional gas-fired generation to our Wolf Hollow site in Granbury. These highly efficient gas units would help support Texas grid reliability during times of peak demand.

Constellation recently published notices in local newspapers about air permits being sought from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for these new units.

Renamed Wolf Hollow III, the eight new gas units would be used to provide additional power to the Texas grid on short notice, when needed, to help ensure Texas customers have the reliable energy they depend on – a critical backstop at times when electricity demand surges – and sufficient power supply over the next several years. 

Wolf Hollow III’s units would replace older, less efficient generators in ERCOT and help cover energy supply needs while additional energy sources are built and come online. The notice for the TCEQ air permits is routine and attempts to list any and all potential air contaminants. We are committed to environmental stewardship and would follow the letter of the law to meet or exceed all state environmental permitted levels to protect the community.

The approval of air permits by the TCEQ is a critical regulatory step in bringing these units to the Wolf Hollow site, and a factor in whether Constellation will move forward with the project.

These new units would support grid reliability in Texas. We are sensitive to community concerns around noise from another facility, and we will be carefully considering that in regards to the new plant and ensure the facilities we operate continue complying with all state and local noise ordinances. If Constellation’s application for participation in Texas Energy Fund is successful, the new units would be prohibited from directly serving industrial load during the 20-year term. Additionally, there are no current plans to expand bitcoin operations in Hood County or at the Wolf Hollow site.

If it moves forward, Wolf Hollow III would be located next to Wolf Hollow II, a 1,115 megawatt combined-cycle gas plant that has served Texas’ energy needs since June 2017. Wolf Hollow II’s two low-carbon combined-cycle gas turbines are among the most advanced types of gas turbines designed, making them some of the cleanest, most efficient combined-cycle gas turbines in the U.S.

Constellation remains committed to being a good neighbor and has a strong track record of supporting Granbury, Hood County and other communities where we live and work. We take seriously the concerns from local residents regarding noise from the bitcoin facility and are working with its owner to address them.  If local residents have any questions or concerns about the potential Wolf Hollow III project, we encourage you to reach out to us directly via Constellation Government Affairs Manager Chris Smith.

Marathon Digital Holdings has released its sound survey results for its bitcoin facility located next to Constellation’s Wolf Hollow plant. 

Constellation is engaging in regular, direct conversations with residents and continues to work closely with Marathon to look for ways to further reduce noise and address community concerns.  Check out the sound survey and learn more about upcoming sound mitigation efforts by visiting Marathon’s Granbury website.
 

At approximately 5:30 a.m. on July 23, one of the operating units at Wolf Hollow Generating Station went offline, automatically activating a safety relief valve and creating a whistling noise for about five minutes. The activation of the safety relief valve is designed to quickly release high-pressure, high-temperature steam to prevent damage to equipment and injury to personnel, similar to what happens when a teakettle begins to boil. In addition to the noise, a cloud of steam (water vapor) is released into the air. 

Wolf Hollow performed as designed and operated safely during this event. At no time was there any risk to the community or site employees. 

Engineers at the site resolved the issue and the station has since returned to service, providing reliable power to the Texas electric grid.    

Constellation is committed to being a good neighbor and has a strong track record of supporting Granbury, Hood County and other communities where we live and work.

Constellation and our team at Wolf Hollow II have been closely monitoring the noise situation at the bitcoin facility next to the plant, including the recent town hall meetings and news coverage.

As a proud member of the Hood County community, we take the concerns local residents have raised seriously. We are in regular, direct conversations with residents. We hear the concerns, and we are working closely with the bitcoin facility’s owner to look for ways to reduce noise and address the community’s concerns.  

Marathon is working on a number of strategies to mitigate the sound coming from the facility and they have shared those preliminary actions with nearby neighbors and the broader Granbury/Hood County community. Both Marathon and Constellation are consulting with sound experts to evaluate the various mitigation strategies. 

Marathon has indicated they intend to provide further updates when possible, and they have stated that they have no current plans to expand their mining capacity in Hood County or the site footprint.