Dynegy commits to Illinois air quality plan, will cut coal plant emissions

Dive Brief:

Platts reports that Dynegy has struck a deal to reduce allowable emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the E. D. Edwards Power Station by more than 90%.
Under the arrangement with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Dynegy will shutter the smallest 80-MW coal-fired unit but will continue to burn low sulfur coal, or other low sulfur fuels, to reduce SO2 emissions.
According to Dynegy, emissions from the station have been dramatically reduced over the past 10 years and SO2 emissions have gone down by 80% since 2004.

Dive Insight:

Illinois lawmakers announced the plan with Dynegy subsidiary Illinois Power Holdings, saying it will help the Greater Peoria area comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s 1-hour SO2 National Ambient Air Quality Standard.

“We are committed to the Greater Peoria communities and the environment, and are proud of our contributions to the economic vitality of our communities,” said Ted Lindenbusch, plant managing director at the Edwards Power Station. “We are voluntarily taking environmentally sound steps forward and continuing to provide the jobs that are vital to the economic livelihoods of the families and communities we serve.”

Under terms of the agreement, the Edwards Power Station will continue to utilize low sulfur coal, or other low sulfur fuels, to reduce SO2 emissions. Nitrogen oxides emissions have declined by 68%, in addition to the SO2 reductions the plans has seen, officials said.

“Today’s agreement shows Dynegy’s commitment to improving the environmental conditions of Central Illinois while continuing to provide excellent jobs to its residents,” said Illinois Rep. Mike Unes. “Edwards is an important part of our community, providing not only energy, but also high quality jobs and $82 million in total economic activity.”

Dynegy said it has previously taken steps to reduce its environmental impact, investing $2 billion in environmental controls in facilities across Illinois and recently announcing a goal to recycle 100% of coal combustion by-products by 2020.

“By taking another step in this commitment, Dynegy is ensuring that the Peoria area is quickly moving toward attainment of federal standards,” said Illinois Sen. Dave Koehler. “As a responsible community partner and neighbor, Dynegy is committed to working with the Greater Peoria community. We are glad to see that Dynegy continues to push forward in controlling emissions even when it limits operation options that could be more profitable in the short term.”