Significant Progress & Support in 2009 Leads to Momentum in 2010
January, 28, 2010

The Taylorville Energy Center (TEC), one of the nation’s first commercial-scale, coal gasification plants with carbon capture and storage (CCS) capability, is closer than it’s ever been to becoming a reality in Christian County.

Revised studies show that the facility, planned for northeast of Taylorville, would create up to 2,500 jobs at peak construction, approximately 200 well-paying permanent full-time jobs at the plant, and a new market for Illinois coal.

TEC had a number of successes in 2009.

The Illinois General Assembly passed the groundbreaking Illinois Clean Coal Portfolio Standard Law (ICCPSL), which encourages development of clean coal energy facilities. The law requires utilities to enter into long-term, cost-based contracts to purchase up to 5 percent of their electricity from clean coal facilities that capture at least 50 percent of their greenhouse gas emissions.

TEC hired the lead engineering firm of the project, WorleyParsons of Westchester, Ill.

TEC hired engineering and construction contractors to conduct a Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) study to build a facility cost report for Illinois Commerce Commission and legislative review in the spring.

TEC hired former Taylorville City Alderman Jack Brown as community representative and established a community office in Taylorville.

TEC was selected for final negotiations on a $2.5 billion U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) loan guarantee for coal-fueled projects that capture carbon dioxide and began the public hearing process for that effort. The loan guarantee will boost the ability to finance TEC and will help ensure the price of electricity produced by the cutting-edge facility remains low for Illinois ratepayers.

TEC selected providers for major pieces of equipment, including the coal gasifier technology.

This is a critical year for TEC, as it moves toward the goal of beginning construction of the facility in late 2010. Christian County Generation, the developer of the project, plans to present TEC’s “Facility Cost Report” this year to the Illinois Commerce Commission and Illinois General Assembly for final approval, as required in ICCPSL. There are other items that must be resolved, including extending TEC’s air quality permit, securing the DOE loan guarantee, securing project financing, and making final construction and engineering preparations.

TEC developers have greatly appreciated the years of support the Taylorville community and leaders have given, and particularly their attendance and supportive comments at public hearings related to the project.  We look forward to continuing our work with them and keeping the momentum in 2010.