Explosives bring down power plant in Grand Haven – MLive.com

GRAND HAVEN, MI On a snowy morning, a part of Grand Havens history was reduced to rubble as the J.B. Sims power plant and its smokestack were brought down by explosives.

The demolition of the shuttered plant on Harbor Island occurred right around 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 19.

Crowds gathered to watch as first the power plant imploded into the ground quickly followed by the towering smokestack that toppled onto its side.

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Demolition of Grand Haven's coal-burning Sims power plant

The former coal-burning plant was shut down almost exactly a year earlier, though the decision to shut it down was made two years prior.

Related: Grand Havens coal-burning Sims power plant shutting for good

Operated by the Grand Haven Board of Light & Power, the 37-year-old plant needed $35 million in repairs to remain operational, and would have been expensive to operate, officials said. Besides, its coal-burning operation didnt fit with the push to reduce greenhouse gases to combat climate change.

The site on Harbor Island where the Sims plant is located will continue to house the substation serving Grand Havens downtown.

The city is now purchasing electricity through the Michigan Public Power Agency, comprised of 22 municipalities that have had their own power plants.

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Explosives bring down power plant in Grand Haven - MLive.com