FutureGen Project Timeline

Nov 30, 2011 | 3 min read | Print Article

View/Download this article in PDF format.

Bush Administration announces initiative to develop zero-emissions “clean coal” power plant. The plant would burn coal to produce hydrogen and electricity while capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for storage underground.

Estimated cost: $1 billion

The FutureGen Industrial Alliance, a coalition of power produces from around the world, is formed in support of the project.

The Department of Energy (DOE) and FutureGen Industrial Alliance sign agreement to develop plant.

April 2006: Six states compete for location of FutureGen power plant and sequestration site.

Illinois State Legislature approve $80 million tax incentive package to lure FutureGen to Illinois.

Mattoon, Illinois chosen as FutureGen power plant and sequestration site.

Estimated cost: $1.3 Billion

January 2008: DOE announces the cancellation of funds for FutureGen—effectively cancelling the FutureGen project.

- - - Estimated Cost: $1.8 Billion

June 2009: Obama administration revives FutureGen with $1 billion from American Recovery Act.

- - - Estimated Cost: $2.4 Billion

February/March 2009: Government Accountability Office warns against rising costs and overall cost-effectiveness of the project.

August 2010: The DOE cancels support for construction of new plant in Mattoon, IL. Instead, it will award $1 billion to retrofit a 64-year-old oil-burning power plant in Meredosia, IL. Plant will now use “oxy-combustion” technology instead of coal-to-gas technology.

- - - FutureGen project renamed “FutureGen 2.0”
    - Estimated cost: $1.4 Billion

August 2010: Mattoon officials reject revised plan to pipe CO2 from Meredosia plant to Mattoon for underground storage.

- - - Neither power plant nor sequestration site will be located in Mattoon, IL.

February 2011: Morgan County, IL is selected to as new sequestration site to store CO2 underground.

August 23rd 2011: Illinois State Legislature approves “CO2 Transportation and Sequestration Act” to allow pipeline construction and operation.

October 3rd 2011: Ameren announces it will close down Meredosia power plant and pull out of FutureGen.

October 13th 2011: FutureGen Industrial Alliance announces the retrofit of the oxy-combustion coal fueled power plant is on schedule and test drilling has commenced in Morgan County.

November 2011: Ameren and FutureGen Industrial Alliance are in talks to buy the Meredosia power plant and transfer stimulus funds awarded for the retrofit of the power plant.