Luminant, a Dallas, Texas-based utility released details of a $1 billion dollar emissions reduction program it says will offset 100% of key emissions from new coal-fired plants.
The company, which is a subsidiary of Energy Future Holdings Corp. (formerly TXU Corp.), also will reduce emissions from existing coal-fired plants 20% below 2005 levels, according to chief operating officer Mike McCall.
"We plan to make improvements at every one of our existing coal-fueled power plants, spending $1 billion on voluntary emissions reductions at these facilities," said Luminant chief operating officer Mike McCall.
According to a company release, Luminant will install in-duct selective catalytic reduction and selective noncatalytic reduction systems at three of its Texas coal-fired plants to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions, as well as improve the low-nitrogen-oxide burner technology on one of its units.
Luminant said it will use activated carbon injection to reduce mercury emissions at all new and existing plants.
To reduce sulfur dioxide emissions, Luminant said several plants will increase their use of low-sulfur coal and, in addition, three coal-fired plants will use coal-cleaning technology to reduce sulfur dioxide and mercury emissions.
Margaret Keliher, former Dallas County judge and executive director of Texas Business for Clean Air, applauded the announcement and emphasized the need to move quickly. "We look forward to seeing a binding commitment soon, followed by completion of the selective non-catalytic reduction work by the end of 2009. By making such a substantial investment under an aggressive timetable, Luminant is showing that voluntary measures can help North Texas meet federal clean air requirements and is setting an example for other businesses to follow."
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