A natural gas electric generating facility in Columbiana County is up and running as commercial operation began on Wednesday.

South Field energy is a 1,182-megawatt, low carbon combined-cycle facility operated by Advanced Power. The organizations say the space uses two General Electric gas turbines that will produce enough electricity to power around 1 million homes and businesses.

"South Field Energy was built using advanced technology to construct a state-of-the-art low carbon electric generating facility that is among the cleanest and most efficient of its kind," said Scott Curry, South Field Energy's project director. "Many people and organizations from Columbiana County and its surrounding communities were instrumental in building this vital resource which benefits Ohio's energy portfolio and the people who rely upon it. We're proud of
what we've accomplished together."

CEO of Advanced Power, Thomas Spang thinks that the project will be big for the areas economic growth.

"South Field Energy exemplifies our commitment to develop and manage world-class low carbon, independent power generation in partnership with the communities in which we operate," said Spang. "We are honored to be a part of the community and look forward to continuing our support of its economic growth and providing funding directly to local schools through our Enterprise Zone Agreement."

In addition to South Field Energy, Advanced Power also developed, financed and now manages the approximately 700 MW Carroll County Energy project in Carroll County, Ohio and approximately 1,100 MW Cricket Valley Energy project in Dover, New York.

Advanced Power along with seven other investors, Kyushu Electric Power Co., Inc., NHAmundi Asset Management, PIA Investment Management Co., Ltd., RS Global Capital Investment LLC, Shikoku Electric Power Co., Inc., The Chugoku Electric Power Co., Inc., and ENEOS
HD own the facility.