City officials have approved launching a feasibility study on a plan to redevelop the former Premcor oil refinery property into a clean-coal burning electricity plant.
The Chicago-based Delta Institute would perform the study, provided the organization can secure a grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation, said Mayor Donald Peloquin.
The city, with the Village of Alsip, is hoping to annex the 170-acre plant near 131st Street and Kedzie Avenue. Premcor closed the plant three years ago after company officials said they could no longer afford to meet new federal safety regulations.
Besides studying whether the site can be converted into the electricity plant, the study also would determine whether there are sufficient markets in the area for the electricity.
Peloquin is scheduled to meet with Premcor officials this week to discuss a future clean-up of the property and its potential annexation.
