FutureGen will demonstrate advanced coal-based technologies for generating electricity and producing hydrogen to power fuel cells. The technology will also integrate the capture of carbon emissions with carbon sequestration.
The 275MW-plant design and construction will be led by American Electric Power, BHP Billiton, Consol Energy, Foundation Coal Corporation, Rio Tinto subsidiary Kennecott Energy, Peabody Energy and Southern Company.
The alliance is also in discussions with the China Huaneng Group, which has expressed an interest in joining the body in the near future.
The alliance first plans to work with DoE to secure a final agreement for FutureGen before proceeding to site selection and plant design.