Coal is an abundant resource in the world...It is imperative that we figure out a way to use coal as cleanly as possible. "

Dr. Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy
Senate Confirmation Hearing
January 13, 2009

Clean coal technology" describes a new generation of energy processes that sharply reduce air emissions and other pollutants from coal-burning power plants.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the U.S. Department of Energy conducted a joint program with industry and State agencies to demonstrate the best of these new technologies at scales large enough for companies to make commercial decisions. More than 20 of the technologies tested in the original program achieved commercial success.

The early program, however, was focused on the environmental challenges of the time - primarily concerns over the impact of acid rain on forests and watersheds. In the 21st century, additional environmental concerns have emerged - the potential health impacts of trace emissions of mercury, the effects of microscopic particles on people with respiratory problems, and the potential global climate-altering impact of greenhouse gases.  

With coal likely to remain one of the nation's lowest-cost electric power sources for the foreseeable future, the United States has pledged a new commitment to even more advanced clean coal technologies.

Building on the successes of the original program, the new clean coal initiative encompasses a broad spectrum of research and large-scale projects that target today's most pressing environmental challenges.

The Clean Coal Power Initiative is providing government co-financing for new coal technologies that can help utilities cut sulfur, nitrogen and mercury pollutants from power plants. Also, some of the early projects are showing ways to reduce greenhouse emissions by boosting the efficiency by which coal plants convert coal to electricity or other energy forms.

In January of 2003, eight projects were selected under the first round CCPI solicitation, of which two were withdrawn. Of the remaining six projects supported by the first round of the CCPI, two projects are currently in the operational phase, one was discontinued before award, two were discontinued during project development, and one has been completed.

In October of 2004, four projects were selected from the second round CCPI solicitation. One project has since been withdrawn. Of the remaining three projects, one is in the operational phase, and the other two are under development. The two projects under development will demonstrate advanced IGCC technology, while the project in operation is demonstrating a neural-network control process for advanced multi-pollutant controls by means of plant optimization.

A third round CCPI solicitation is underway and is focused on developing projects that utilize carbon sequestration technologies and/or beneficial reuse of carbon dioxide.

WHY COAL? 

We need it for our energy security. It is America’s largest domestic energy resource — enough to last 250 years at current rates of use. It is a versatile energy resource that can be used in solid, liquid, or gaseous form. It has traditionally been the largest single source of U.S. electricity generation, currently providing more than 50 percent of the total, and will continue to be the primary generator of America’s electric power for years to come. It can be used cleanly and affordably to drive our economic prosperity.

FROM RESEARCH TO REALITY

More than 50 percent of the U.S. electricity supply comes from coal. Starting with the original Clean Coal Technology Program that began more than two decades ago, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has engaged in innovative research and development (R&D) to transform research advances into market realities. Investment tax credits awarded under the Energy Policy Act are providing further momentum toward this goal. 

With a clear vision and understanding of energy challenges in the new millennium, our Nation’s leaders recognize the importance of finding new ways of extracting the power from coal — America’s largest domestic energy resource — while simultaneously expanding environmental protection and confronting the issue of global climate change. Consequently, coal and coal technology are keystones of our national energy and environmental policies. The result: an unprecedented financial investment by both government and private industry in coal research, resulting in sustained, accelerated, and measurable movement of innovative technologies to the marketplace.

Everyone associated with DOE — scientists, researchers, administrators, and career employees — is proud of the role they’ve played in bringing about this remarkable achievement. Even more progress will unfold in the years ahead, such as the production of emissions-free electricity and hydrogen for emissions-free transportation. Combined with partners in industry, academia and other stakeholders, DOE has helped forge an enduring foundation for maintaining the integrity, flexibility and reliability of America’s electricity supply — and a cleaner environment — throughout the 21st century. This is a legacy that will benefit millions of Americans, as well as people around the world, for generations to come.

The National Energy Policy Development Group (NEPDG) report recognizes coal must continue to play a key role in securing a healthy U.S. economy — between 2007–2030, 139 GW of new coal-based generating capacity is projected to be added (Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook 2007).

Recommendations include 

• $2 billion over 10 years for advanced clean coal technologies. 
• Coal assumes a key role in Presidentiallevel initiatives: Clear Skies, Climate Change, FutureGen, Hydrogen, Sequestration; all integrate energy policy with environmental policy.

Credit: U.S. Department of Energy

http://www.fossil.energy.gov/programs/powersystems/cleancoal/