Deliver balance of plant engineering
We have completed the detailed engineering and design for the balance-of-plant modifications required to support the conversion from coal to natural gas and are currently moving into the Unit 3 Outage.
Markets
Priorities
Helping AES Indiana evolve its fueling sources
To reduce carbon intensity while maintaining reliable generation, AES Indiana advanced a coal-to-natural-gas conversion at its Petersburg Generating Station. After securing regulatory approval, the utility moved forward with repowering Units 3 and 4. CDM Smith was selected to provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the balance-of-plant systems, by our long standing partner Babcock & Wilcox (B&W), helping them support a smooth transition to natural gas and long-term operational performance.
Issue construction ready designs
The team issued construction drawings and supported early design packages to advance the project from engineering into full construction.
Procure long lead equipment
CDM Smith procured critical long-lead equipment and materials to support schedule certainty as the project transitioned into construction. This included large gas heaters, scrubbers and process piping.
Support gas firing and NOₓ control
CDM Smith is supporting flue gas recirculation systems and associated infrastructure needed for gas firing and NOₓ reduction at the station.
With full notice to proceed received in August 2025, CDM Smith is advancing construction of the Petersburg coal-to-gas conversion project, a milestone in the plant’s repowering effort. The transition will deliver cleaner energy, cost-effective operations and a significant reduction in coal combustion at an investor-owned utility. Natural gas is planned to replace most of the fuel mix and is part of a broader strategy to enhance energy reliability and environmental performance while maintaining local workforce support. As James Calderone, our director of design-build services, explains, “Achieving this key milestone demonstrates our ability to drive the schedule forward on critical balance of plant infrastructure and support our partners with today’s vital energy projects.”