Design changes and growth add $150 million to Duke project cost
Duke Energy Indiana filed information about a 6 percent cost increase with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission as part of its semi-annual update.
The utility is asking the IURC to schedule a proceeding in March 2010, when most of the project engineering will be complete, so the company can file a more detailed cost estimate.
The IURC granted the utility permission in 2007 to build the clean coal power plant in Edwardsport, but will need to approve any cost increase for the plant. It is scheduled to be completed in 2012.
The 630-megawatt plant will use integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology to produce 10 times more power than the existing Edwardsport plant, but emit less sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and mercury than the plant it replaces.
It will also emit 45 percent less carbon dioxide per megawatt-hour than the existing facility.
IGCC technology uses a coal gasification system to convert coal into a synthesis gas, which is then processed to remove sulfur, mercury and ash before being sent to a traditional combined cycle power plant, using two combustion turbines and a steam turbine to produce electricity.
The technology can also, with some modifications, remove carbon dioxide from coal during the conversion process, allowing it to be stored underground.