Welcome to FutureGen for Illinois

FutureGen is the first of its kind coal-fueled power plant that will link state-of-the-art technologies to produce electricity and hydrogen with near-zero emissions. The project will take a significant step in strengthening the United States’ ability to produce reliable energy, improve the environment and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. This effort will serve as a prototype for the next generation of power plants throughout the country and the world.

FutureGen will also serve as a research laboratory for discovering and refining clean coal technology, hydrogen production and carbon sequestration. As new technology is discovered and evolves, it will be incorporated into the design and operation of the plant. FutureGen will foster innovations that will affect the energy industry for years to come.

The Department of Energy announced plans to build FutureGen in 2003. By May 2006, 12 sites in seven states applied to host the plant. In July 2006, the FutureGen Alliance announced the four finalists for the facility: Mattoon and Tuscola in Illinois; and Jewett and Odessa in Texas.

The project is a government-industry partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the FutureGen Alliance, a consortium of the world’s largest coal and energy producers.

On December 18, 2007, the FutureGen Alliance selected Mattoon as the home for FutureGen.

Shortly thereafter, the U.S. DOE suddenly announced it was withdrawing funding for FutureGen due to what it described as escalating construction cost projections. However, the State of Illinois and the FutureGen Alliance are continuing design work on the project, plan to purchase the plant site in conjunction with Coles County’s economic development agency and will build a strong case for a new presidential administration to reauthorize FutureGen at Mattoon as the swiftest, most comprehensive way to demonstrate the clean coal technology of tomorrow.