The Bethlehem Energy Center is a 747 MW state-of-the-art, combined-cycle plant fueled by natural gas. The BEC is located on west shore of the Hudson River in the town of Bethlehem, NY, three miles south of Albany.  The BEC was built to replace the Albany Steam Generating Station, a 376 MW oil/gas plant in operation since 1952, which was purchased by PSEG Power in 2000.

The efficient process of combined-cycle technology enables the BEC to use 36 percent less fuel than the Albany Station to generate each kilowatt-hour of electricity. In addition, the BEC is equipped with an advanced closed-cycle cooling system.

The facility is among the cleanest power plants in New York, reducing emission rates of nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide by more than 98 percent. The plant draws 99 percent less water from the Hudson River than the old Albany Station. In addition, the project produced significant economic benefits in terms of construction spending, jobs, and increased business activity over the long term.

The project generated widespread community support and was endorsed by a number of environmental organizations including the American Lung Association of New York, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Hudson River Keeper and Scenic Hudson Inc. PSEG Power began commercial operation in June 2005 and retired the existing Albany station 2005.