JWA dedicates utility plant

John Wayne Airport can now mostly rely on itself for power, after it fired up four generators to produce up to 7 megawatts of electricity.

Officials Thursday morning dedicated the new $31-million Central Utility Plant at the south end of the airport. It is part of JWA’s $540-million expansion and improvement program.

Southern California Edison will still provide 5% of the airport’s power, and could supply the entire airport in emergencies.

“It’s nice Southern California Edison is our backup, and not vice-versa,” said County Supervisor John Moorlach after the ceremony. “I think it’s good planning.”

Along with producing electricity, the “co-generation” plant powers chillers to cool the airport.