Going Green: Clean Coal Gets Even Cleaner
By: Monica Tassoni
Updated: September 23, 2011
The Tenaska clean coal plant going up in Sweetwater is going to be one of the cleanest coal plants in America, capturing 85-90 percent of its carbon dioxide. It has a few more components to put together before construction can begin, but it has one more thing to add to its green resume.
"This is going to be one of the cleanest coal field plants that has ever been built." Said Director of Development, Helen Manroe.
While most coal plants consume tons of water.
"An average coal plant uses 12 millions gallons a day." Said Helen Manroe.
Tenaska will only use a measly million.
"We have worked really hard to minimize the amount of water needed for this plant." Said Ms. Manroe.
Instead of using water to cool the turbines, Tenaska will use dry ice and air.
"Given the semi arid nature of this part of the country it just made sense."
And given the drought west Texas is dealing with, this will help ease farmers and residents worries.
"Its going to set a standard that then every coal plant is going to have to match."
The Tenaska plant will generate enough electricity for 600,000 homes.
"This is going to be one of the cleanest coal field plants that has ever been built." Said Director of Development, Helen Manroe.
While most coal plants consume tons of water.
"An average coal plant uses 12 millions gallons a day." Said Helen Manroe.
Tenaska will only use a measly million.
"We have worked really hard to minimize the amount of water needed for this plant." Said Ms. Manroe.
Instead of using water to cool the turbines, Tenaska will use dry ice and air.
"Given the semi arid nature of this part of the country it just made sense."
And given the drought west Texas is dealing with, this will help ease farmers and residents worries.
"Its going to set a standard that then every coal plant is going to have to match."
The Tenaska plant will generate enough electricity for 600,000 homes.
