The Intermountain Power Project (IPP) in Utah, USA, is undergoing a transformative upgrade that signals a significant shift in how legacy power infrastructure can be reimagined for a low-emissions future. Once a coal-fired giant, IPP is now the focus of a multibillion-dollar redevelopment that will see it transition toward green hydrogen fuel, positioning it as one of the first facilities to implement large-scale hydrogen generation, storage, and power production.

Located near Delta, Utah, the 4,600-acre site has provided energy to communities across six U.S. states, including Los Angeles, since the 1980s. As coal agreements approach their scheduled end in 2027, the IPP Renewed initiative will repower the site with two new natural gas turbines capable of operating on hydrogen blends. The ultimate target is to run these turbines entirely on green hydrogen by 2045.

A Strategic Transition

Construction is well underway, with over 5 million labour hours already committed to delivering the site’s next phase. At the heart of this transition is a pair of Mitsubishi M501JAC gas turbines—jointly delivering up to 840 MW of power—that will begin operations using a 30% hydrogen mix. These units are designed to accommodate future upgrades to 100% hydrogen capability as technology matures.

Importantly, the site benefits from a rare geological feature: a massive salt dome beneath the plant. This naturally formed structure provides the foundation for one of the U.S.’s largest planned hydrogen storage hubs, Advanced Clean Energy Storage (ACES) Delta. Supported by a U.S. Department of Energy loan guarantee, this facility will be able to convert excess renewable electricity into hydrogen and store it in underground salt caverns until needed for power generation.

Engineering Collaboration at Scale

Delivering the IPP Renewed project has required a high level of collaboration between diverse stakeholders, from small towns to major metropolitan utilities, each with unique operational and regulatory needs. Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) works have been delivered through multiple coordinated contracts, with key players including TIC (The Industrial Company), Granite Construction, and M.J. Electric.

To maintain schedule and improve reliability, TIC has self-performed heavy equipment hauling using modular transport units for the first time, a decision described as a “game changer” in on-site logistics.

In addition to power generation, a significant upgrade to the site’s transmission infrastructure is underway. A $2.7 billion investment will modernise the 2,400-MW transmission link between Utah and California, including the construction of new converter stations, with completion expected in 2027.

References
Leggate, James 2025, ‘Coal-Fired Power Plant Will Gain New Life with Green Hydrogen’, ENR Engineering News-Record, viewed 8 July 2025, https://www.enr.com/articles/56911-coal-fired-power-plant-will-gain-new-life-with-green-hydrogen 

Arbyreed, 2009, Hunter Power Plant, Flickr, viewed 8 May 2025, https://www.flickr.com/photos/19779889@N00/4117327255