FutureGen Alliance Announces Site in Illinois

A hushed burble of excited voices fell into an expectant hush as more than 150 people gathered in the Tuscola Community center in Illinois for the simulcast announcement of the placement of the FutureGen project. The hush turned into a cheer as Mike Mudd, President of the FutureGen Alliance announced "We have chosen Mattoon."

"We're disappointed, of course," said City Administrator Drew Hoel following the announcement from the National Press Club in Washington. "But we're very happy that it's coming to Illinois."

FutureGen promises to create a safer, and more environmentally-friendly means of generating electricity using advanced coal gasification processes, as well as an experimental method of sequestering the greenhouse gases produced in limestone caverns over a mile underground.

"The site chosen was based on a decision of which would have the best chance for success," Mudd said in his lead-up to the announcement.

The FutureGen Alliance is comprised of a consortium of coal producers, electrical generation companies, and governments, including India and China. Chair of the Alliance Greg Walker said the project, designed to store carbon dioxide emissions underground, will "bring to bear the best minds from six continents" and will be global in its future impact.

"In 2003, the Department of Energy approached coal mining industry for developing this first of its kind facility in the United States," Walker said. "First of a kind projects have some risks, and will not be born by any one group."

One of the unique aspects of the agreement between the Alliance and the Department of Energy is the revenue sharing - there won't be any. "The Board of Directors of the Alliance have decided to leave all revenues in the project for future research and development, and to help the Department of Energy to reduce its cost."

A few hurdles remain for the $1.8 billion project to come to reality. Possibly most important is the final decision from the Department of Energy on the site's suitability. If the Department concurs with the Alliance members that the Mattoon site is best overall, land acquisition and construction will soon follow.

On-hand in Tuscola was the mayor of Arcola, a community that lies about midway between Mattoon and Tuscola. "We're excited," said Larry Ferguson. "Any time you have a large project like this there will be an economic ripple effect. I'll be calling the mayor of Mattoon to congratulate him when I leave here, and offer any assistance we can offer."

Construction is hoped to begin in 2009 on the site northwest of Mattoon.