FutureGen Project mischaracterized
FutureGen is not just a government program; it is a public-private partnership with 12 companies contributing nearly $400 million to build this first-of-its-kind coal-fueled power plant with near-zero emissions that will produce hydrogen and capture and permanently store carbon dioxide deep underground. The cancellation of Xcel’s IGCC plant, along with other IGCC plants recently, demonstrates that private/public partnerships such as FutureGen are critical to proving IGCC with CCS can work.The project is being designed so that it will have global transferability to help accelerate its adoption.
The FutureGen Alliance agrees that coal is a critical component of our energy future and FutureGen will ensure that coal can be used while addressing climate change concerns. Four sites in Texas and Illinois are being considered for siting FutureGen, and the Alliance is on track to announce the finalist site by the end of this year. Whether the plant winds up in Texas or Illinois, the real beneficiaries of the project will be future generations who will have cleaner and affordable electricity from coal.
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LET'S ROLL!
Until we take our energy situation seriously--and we obviously haven't--all of America is looking at $5 p/g at the pump. The folks back east are looking at $2,000 a month to heat their homes. Nobody likes Tobacco Road.
We are the Saudi Ariba of coal with a 250 year supply--but we can't wait another 250 years to get this rolling. And at $100 p/b, shale has considerable promise. Throw in a several dozen nuke power plants, open up ANWR and the rest of the outer continental shelf and we have a real energy program; not just "feel good" BS.
Expect solar, windmiils, ethanol and biofuels to continue to their usual pissant contribution. They will remain an energy side-show for the entire 21st century.
Let's get serious! The solution is right under our own asses!
Posted by Hank on November 15, 2007 06:32 AM