Release Date: October 6, 2010

FutureGen Industrial Alliance Announces Carbon Storage Site Selection Process for FutureGen 2.0

Washington, D.C. - The FutureGen Industrial Alliance today announced details of a process that will lead to the selection of an Illinois site for the storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) collected at FutureGen 2.0, a landmark project that will advance the deployment of carbon capture and storage technology at an Ameren Energy Resources power plant in Meredosia, Illinois. Last month the Department of Energy signed two agreements, one with the FutureGen Industrial Alliance and one with Ameren Energy Resources that committed $1 billion in Recovery Act funding to design, build and operate FutureGen 2.0.

"Today’s announcement is another important step forward for the FutureGen 2.0 project in Illinois," said Secretary Chu. "This first of its kind repowering project will create jobs in Illinois while advancing technology that can make the United States a world leader in carbon capture and storage."

"We are going to demonstrate to the world that we can use one of our greatest natural assets in a way that protects our environment and puts more people to work in Illinois. FutureGen will continue making Illinois an international leader in developing the latest in cutting-edge, clean coal technology," Illinois Governor Pat Quinn said.

"This is an exciting opportunity for Illinois communities to participate in a project that will put our state and our nation at the forefront of clean coal technology," said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. "Under this competitive process, interested communities that meet the selection criteria will have a fair shot at hosting the CO2 storage hub, visitor’s center, research site and training facility. These facilities will create economic development, provide good-paying jobs and attract researchers and visitors from around the world."

The FutureGen Industrial Alliance is responsible for the selection of the new host storage site, which will include a geologic sequestration research complex, craft labor training center, and a visitor center. The storage site will be designed to accept and store the 1.3 million metric tons per year of CO2 captured at Ameren’s Meredosia plant for at least 30 years. This site also will be capable of storing CO2 from other power and large industrial sources in the future. The project partners estimate that FutureGen 2.0 will bring 900 jobs to downstate Illinois and another 1,000 jobs for suppliers across the state.

The FutureGen Industrial Alliance has initiated the storage site selection process by releasing its "Guidance for Prospective Site Offerors." This guidance provides an overall description of the site selection process and schedule, selection criteria, and type of site-related data and documentation to be provided by applicants.

The Alliance expects to issue a Request for Proposals in late October or early November 2010. Applicants will be required to submit complete proposals approximately three weeks later. The Alliance expects sites to meet a set of minimum technical requirements. The site selection decision will also consider factors such as protecting environmental resources and human health and safety; minimizing project costs; and supporting an aggressive design, construction, and operation schedule for the entire FutureGen 2.0 project.