GE is hoping to accelerate the deployment of advanced clean coal technology in the USA and of its own IGCC technology through a new agreement with the University of Wyoming. The two organisations say they will develop a new research centre in Wyoming that will develop advanced gasification solutions and help to make coal-fired power generation ‘more viable’ in America.
The High Plains Gasification Advanced Technology Centre will include a small-scale gasification system that will enable researchers to develop advanced gasification solutions for Powder River Basin and other Wyoming coals. The research is expected to expand the range of coals that can be used with GE’s integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology for power plants.
Both GE and the University of Wyoming have stressed the importance of coal in the USA’s energy mix, and the role that energy and environmental policies will play in the future. Climate change policies must be tailored to incentivise the deployment of low carbon technologies and foster further improvements to bring down their costs, says GE.
‘This project underscores the commitment of both the University of Wyoming and GE to work toward US energy independence and plan for future energy needs’ said Steve Bolze, president and CEO of GE Energy’s Power & Water business. ‘We believe that our country’s energy and environmental policies should promote a balance of available, reliable, cleaner and low-cost energy. The use of cleaner coal technology helps create jobs, support economic growth and positively impacts the environment.’
Coal accounts for more than 50 % of electricity generation in the USA and is expected to more or less maintain this share over the next 20 years, according to the latest analysis from the International Energy Agency. Wyoming itself has significant reserves of the fuel and produces around 40 % of all the coal used by the US electricity generation industry.
