Indiana utility regulators have given the thumbs up to what could be the first U.S. commercial-scale coal gasification power plant built in the last decade.

Duke Energy Corp. received the green light from the Indiana Regulatory Commission to build the 630-megawatt power plant. The cleaner-burning facility will use advanced integrated gasification combined cycled technology.

Duke Energy estimates the plant will cost $2 billion to build. Local, state and federal tax incentives will offset the cost by more than $460 million. Average electric rates in the area will increase approximately 16 percent from 2008 through 2012. Duke Energy still needs to get an air permit from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

 

To subscribe or visit go to:  http://www.wastenews.com