![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090825022218im_/http://www.netl.doe.gov/images/double-line.gif)
Coal and Power Systems
Innovations for Existing Plants
|
|
|
![Power Plant Water](images/PowerPlantWater_sm.jpg) |
|
|
Welcome to the Innovations for Existing Plants homepage. The Innovations for Existing Plants (IEP) Program is an integral part of NETL’s Coal and Power Systems RD&D portfolio. Coal is a vital energy resource in the United States, providing approximately half of the electricity supply to the country. Through the IEP Program we are striving to sustain the strategic role of coal in the nation’s energy mix by maintaining its integrity as an affordable and environmentally sound natural resource. Our program mission is to develop innovative environmental control technologies that will enable full use of the nation’s vast coal reserves, while at the same time allowing the current fleet of coal-fired power plants to comply with existing and emerging environmental regulations. The IEP Program provides a pathway to success in meeting our mission through the R&D activities listed in the adjacent blue box. In FY08, the IEP Program redirected its focus from the development of advanced mercury and NOx emissions control technologies and coal utilization byproduct (CUB) research to CO2 emissions control for existing plants. The focus on CO2 emissions control technology – both post-combustion and oxy-combustion – and related CO2 compression and reuse is in direct response to the priority placed on advancing technological options for the existing fleet of coal-fired power plants for addressing climate change. The IEP Program continues to address the important link between power plants and water use under the Water-Energy Interface R&D activity. While no new R&D in the areas of mercury, CUB, NOx, air quality research, and particulate matter emissions control will be initiated, the IEP webpage will continue to report on progress made on all active projects in these areas, as well as maintain information on completed projects.
|