"As technological advancements have been realized in the last five years, we are eager to demonstrate CCS technology on commercial plants that when operational, will be the cleanest coal-fired plants in the world."    Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman    January 30, 2008

FutureGen is an initiative to equip multiple new clean coal power plants with advanced carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

Restructured FutureGen Draft Funding Opportunity Announced
On May 7, 2008, the Department of Energy announced the release of the draft Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) to solicit public input on the demonstration of multiple commercial-scale Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) or other clean coal power plants with cutting-edge carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology under the Department's restructured FutureGen approach.  The draft solicitation outlines the planned scope of the project, evaluation criteria, terms and conditions, and cost sharing requirements for public-private cooperation under FutureGen.

DOE announced a restructured approach to its FutureGen project on January 30, 2008, to build on technological research and development advancements in CCS technology achieved over the past five years, changing market conditions for clean coal technology, as well as efforts to limit taxpayer exposure and maximize the federal government's investment in this cutting-edge technology.  The restructured approach aims to accelerate the near-term deployment of advanced clean coal technology by equipping new IGCC or other clean coal commercial power plants - that generate at least 300 megawatts of power - with CCS technology and, with multiple projects funded, is expected to at least double the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) sequestered compared to the concept announced in 2003.

The draft FOA is intended to provide an opportunity for public review and comment beginning Wednesday, May 7, 2008 and extending through Wednesday, May 21, 2008.  Input from interested parties will be considered in the development of the final solicitation, which DOE expects to release in mid-summer 2008, with selection of projects targeted for December 2008.

The restructured FutureGen approach will focus on the challenges associated with avoidance and reduction of carbon emissions and criteria pollutants through sequestration.  Technical, economic, and operational results from multiple projects will inform and guide the promulgation of regulations related to wide-scale carbon sequestration activities and at the same time will help establish technologies and protocols for CO2 monitoring, mitigation and verification. 

The restructured FutureGen program is a cost-shared collaboration between the government and industry to accelerate commercial deployment of IGCC or other advanced clean coal-based power generation technology with CCS.  Widespread replication of this technology by the private sector and global community would help to meet energy and environmental needs by expanding the use of an abundant energy resource in environmentally responsible ways, facilitating economic growth, and increasing living standards in a way that maximizes federal investment and limits taxpayer risk. 

As the FutureGen effort unfolds, updated information will be posted on this page.  Information may also be found at the Office of Fossil Energy site.