In case you missed the news, we recently added more than 100 new projects to the America’s PowerSM Clean Coal Technology Map. One of those projects, FutureGen in Mattoon, Ill., is one we’ve been excited about since it was announced.
Why is it a big deal? Because once it’s completed, this public-private partnership will be the world’s first coal-powered near-zero emissions power plant using carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technology.
In June, the U.S. Department of Energy announced it would contribute $1.073 billion to the project, with $1 billion coming from Recovery Act funds for CCS research.
That’s a significant portion of the cost, which according to the FutureGen Alliance is estimated to be $1.5 billion – proving the Obama administration is serious about deploying CCS technology on a commercial scale.
According to U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu, “This important step forward for FutureGen reflects this administration’s commitment to rapidly developing carbon capture and sequestration technology as part of a comprehensive plan to create jobs, develop clean energy and reduce climate change pollution.”
And remember, you can learn more about FutureGen on our Factuality Tour Web site. We’ve got great interviews, photos, blog posts and videos of the good work the Alliance is doing to push this project forward.