FutureGen
Position Paper (PDF: 27 KB : get viewer)
AEP is a leader in developing clean-coal technology, including Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle, which will allow the United States to fully use its vast stores of coal to enhance the nation’s energy security. Included in that effort is FutureGen, which will push the technology envelope further to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations.
FutureGen is a public-private sponsorship that will create the world’s first coal-based electricity and hydrogen plant with near-zero emissions. FutureGen will use coal gasification and develop and commercially test a cost-effective way to capture and permanently sequester carbon dioxide emissions in deep, geologic formations.
FutureGen will:
- Have a capacity of 275 megawatts
- Capture and sequester 1 million tons of carbon dioxide
- Co-produce electricity and hydrogen
- Push the envelope of clean-coal technology for lowest SO2, mercury and NOx emissions.
- Demonstrate the commercial viability of zero-emissions coal plants
FutureGen is Real:
- The private sector will provide $250 million in funding
- The Department of Energy will provide $750 million over 10 years
- Eight private sector members, including AEP are committed, with more expected
- Initial capitalization secured
- First plant online by 2015 with multiple commercial plants expected by 2020
FutureGen Deserves Support:
- FutureGen financing needs to be sustained by ongoing congressional support
- FutureGen technology should receive the same incentives as IGCC from state and local regulators
- FutureGen reduces society’s total cost of addressing carbon and other emissions
