The program objective is (i) to demonstrate at a full scale greater than 90% mercury capture based on baseline mercury level (ii) at a cost significantly less than 50% of the $60,000/lb of mercury removed.

The proposed full-scale demonstration program is to perform two- to six-month test campaigns in three independent host sites with various boiler configurations over a two-year period. The demonstration program will include a two- to four-week short-term field test followed by two- to six-month long-term demonstration for each of the three selected sites.

For the demonstration project, installation of equipment for ALSTOM-PPL's Mer-Cure™ system, its operation, and measurement of mercury concentrations in the flue gas will take place. The Mer-Cure™ system will be operated with Mer-Clean™ sorbents at a range of injection rates to achieve target mercury removal of greater than 90% based on the uncontrolled mercury level.

The utility companies, which are still being negotiated, will participate in the program by allowing access to their selected power plants, facilities and their operations for full-scale testing, as well as by providing in-kind and cash contributions as cost-share.

The EERC will participate in the proposed program by providing mercury measurement expertise. Continuous mercury monitoring (CMM) will be carried out throughout the test period by installing CMM monitors before and after the ESP/scrubbers to provide both elemental and oxidized mercury concentrations in the stack gas. Ontario Hydro method will also be employed for some of the key test conditions to ensure quality assurance and quality control of the CMM measurements.

ALSTOM-PPL's Mer-Cure™ technology applied to coal-fired power generation has the potential to be a cost-effective mercury control solution for the entire range of coals. As the technology is based on oxidation and adsorption of mercury, it is also applicable to all combinations of fuel type and air pollution control configurations. Mer-Cure™ technology has low-capital costs ($5-10/kW e ). It also requires a very small amount of treated (Mer-Clean™ ) sorbents, which results in low operating costs (0.25-0.5 mills/kWh) and minimal balance-of-plant impact.