Caterpillar Inc. on February 8 announced its intent to join the FutureGen Alliance, a public-private partnership established to build a first-of-its-kind coal-fired, near-zero emissions power plant in Mattoon, Ill. The FutureGen facility is designed to be the cleanest coal-burning plant in the world and will integrate advanced technologies for coal gasification, electricity production, emissions control, carbon dioxide (CO(2)) capture and permanent storage and hydrogen production on a commercial scale.
Caterpillar has long been committed to technologies and policies that slow, stop and reverse the growth of Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. Joining the FutureGen Alliance further solidifies the company's global effort to promote sustainable development and reduce carbon emissions.
"Clean-coal plays a critical role in our energy supply, energy security and environmental protection," said Caterpillar Vice Chairman, Doug Oberhelman. "The FutureGen project will demonstrate carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies that are absolutely essential for the world to realize reductions in GHG emissions. This alliance recognizes the global nature of climate and energy challenges and will provide domestic and international communities with the groundbreaking technologies to assist in the shared goal of reducing GHG emissions."
The FutureGen plant is a 275-megawatt integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) power plant. It will be capable of powering about 150,000 homes. The United States Department of Energy will provide more than $1 billion in funding to the project.
"In just a little over a week, the FutureGen Alliance has added another strong partner with a deep connection to Illinois," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois). "Caterpillar will bring a great deal to the table as the FutureGen Alliance and the Department of Energy continue in the final stages of negotiations. I look forward to welcoming many new FutureGen Alliance members – from Illinois and around the world."
"I am delighted that Caterpillar is joining in this long-overdue endeavor to advance our nation's energy independence and put people back to work in jobs that will prove we can burn coal cleanly," said United States Representative Timothy V. Johnson (R-Illinois), whose district includes the FutureGen site in Mattoon. "We have been working toward this project for nearly seven years, and this decision brings us one step closer to getting under way. Caterpillar has practically written the book on sustainable manufacturing. It's a perfect fit."
Researchers and industry experts have made great progress advancing technologies for coal gasification, electricity generation, emissions control, CCS and hydrogen production. But these technologies have yet to be put together and tested at a single plant, an essential step for technical and commercial viability.
"FutureGen is not only gaining the support of one of the world's leading manufacturing companies, but also a partner in advancing CCS technology to produce reliable, low-carbon power from our nation's abundant supply of coal," said FutureGen Alliance chief executive officer, Michael J. Mudd. "We are grateful to have Caterpillar's support in bringing the world's premier clean-coal power plant to Illinois."
Oberhelman added, "This is an important step to demonstrate that coal - the most abundant and secure fuel source for electricity generation - can be counted on to produce competitive, low carbon energy supplies for current and future generations."
About Caterpillar:
For more than 80 years, Caterpillar Inc. has been making progress possible and driving positive and sustainable change on every continent. With 2009 sales and revenues of $32.396 billion, Caterpillar is the world's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines and industrial gas turbines.
