Dominion Virginia Power's Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center has been recognized as the best coal-fired project of the year at the annual POWER-GEN International conference and exhibition in Orlando, Fla., sponsored by Power Engineering magazine.

"Dominion is honored to be recognized with a Power Engineering Best Project of the Year award," said David Christian, chief executive officer-Dominion Generation, the unit of Dominion (NYSE: D) that operates its power stations. "I want to personally thank all the hard-working men and women involved in the planning and execution of the Virginia City project, which was completed on time, on budget and with an exemplary safety record."

The Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center is a 585-megawatt power station that uses circulating fluidized-bed technology fueled by run-of-mine coal, waste coal and biomass to provide enough electricity for 146,000 homes at peak demand. The station uses an air-cooled condenser, which reduces overall water needs by 90 percent when compared to a traditional coal-fired power station, and comprehensive water recycling, including the treatment and reuse of leachate from the station's solid-waste storage facility. The $1.8 billion power station began commercial operation on July 10.

On hand to receive the award were:  David Leaf, Dominion manager for the Virginia City project; Kevin Walsh and Josh Skudlarick, project managers for the Shaw Group, the general contractor; and Matt Ryan of Ryan Central, the contractor for the station's solid waste management facility. The Virginia City project also received the magazine's Reader's Choice Award.

"Shaw congratulates Dominion for receiving this prestigious award recognizing the Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center," said Eli Smith, president of Shaw's Power Group. "Completing this world-class project safely, ahead of scheduled and on budget is a testament to the high caliber of the project team and the visionary leadership of Dominion to build one of the cleanest coal plants of its kind."