Company: We Energies
Construction of innovative carbon capture project begins
Pilot project at We Energies is first of its kind in the U.S.
PLEASANT PRAIRIE, Wis. - Construction has begun on a unique pilot project at the We Energies power plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wis. The pilot project will test a new technology that could significantly lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil-fueled power plants and is the first of its kind in the United States. The partners in this project are We Energies, Alstom and the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI).
The pilot system will separate CO2 from a slipstream of boiler flue gas at the 1,210-megawatt (MW) power plant. This unique process for CO2 separation was developed by Alstom, a leading manufacturer of power generation systems, equipment and services.
The construction of the carbon separation facility is scheduled for completion in late 2007, with start-up anticipated at the end of the year. The project will remain operational for at least one year. During this time, EPRI will conduct extensive testing to collect data and evaluate technology performance. Results of the demonstration project are expected to be published in late 2008.
The Alstom process uses chilled ammonia to dramatically cool fuel gas. This increases both the volume and the rate at which carbon dioxide can be isolated in a highly concentrated form. In demonstrations through independent research studies, the chilled ammonia process has shown the potential to yield capture rates in excess of 90 percent and to be significantly lower in total costs than conventional carbon capture processes.
“The development of cost-effective carbon capture technology is one of the most important environmental challenges facing the utility industry in the 21st century,” said Gale Klappa, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Wisconsin Energy, the parent company of We Energies. “This pilot is a crucial step in the research and development process necessary for achieving a long-term technology solution.”
We Energies has a long history of pioneering innovation and the development of advanced technology for the utility industry. For example, in 1917, the company developed the technology to use pulverized coal for power plants, resulting in the improved combustion of coal. Today, in addition to the carbon capture project at Pleasant Prairie, the company also operates a large scale pilot of a new mercury reduction technology at its Presque Isle Power Plant in
