DOE Prepares for FutureGen Coal Plant

The U.S. Energy Department and several large electric utilities and coal companies plan a $950 million coal plant that leaves virtually no emissions.

Known as FutureGen, the plant will use coal to generate 275 megawatts of electricity and also will produce hydrogen and test techniques for storing carbon dioxide underground.

FutureGen is expected to create 100 research and facility jobs as well as about 1,000 construction jobs.

The Energy Department is expected to issue a formal request for proposals on where to build FutureGen early next year. Some 20 states have expressed interest in bidding for FutureGen, which should be operational by 2012.