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Continuing to advance development of next-generation coal-fueled technologies, Peabody Energy today said it has made a second $1.5 million commitment to support America's most sophisticated research facility for coal-fueled electricity.

The Power Systems Development Facility in Wilsonville, Ala., is a national center for testing cleaner, more efficient and more cost-effective coal-fueled technologies for commercial use. Peabody has committed a total of $3 million to support facility research since 1997.

"Our nation's ever-growing demand for more energy requires new and innovative ways to provide that energy," said Dr. Charles Goodman, senior vice president for research and environmental affairs at Southern Company, which operates the facility. "We must continue to use coal as an energy source, and use it more cleanly than ever before. The support of companies such as Peabody are key to the success of our efforts here, which will go a long way in securing a balance in energy production that our nation so badly needs."

The Power Systems Development Facility began testing advanced century power technologies in 1996. The effort reflects a joint partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy and a range of energy and technology companies including Peabody Energy, Southern Company, the Electric Power Research Institute, the Kellogg Brown and Root Company, Foster Wheeler and Siemens Westinghouse Power Corporation.

A number of applications are being tested, which include a high-efficiency gasification system that current studies show may offer the most effective clean coal solutions at the lowest cost. High efficiency and high temperature gas cleaning devices also are among the technologies being assessed.

The facility continues a long track record of improved emissions in the United States, even as coal use has increased. Reliable, abundant, inexpensive coal-fueled electricity has resulted in significant electricity use and economic growth over the last three decades.

"Clean coal technologies have already allowed America to triple the amount of coal used for electricity generation since 1970 while reducing emissions," said Irl F. Engelhardt, chairman and chief executive officer of Peabody Energy. "Advanced coal-fueled technologies such as those demonstrated by the Power Systems Development Facility provide a continued path toward coal growth and emissions improvement."

Peabody continues to support increased efficiencies at every level of energy production as well as enhancement of carbon sinks and development of technologies to sequester carbon. Peabody also is an advocate of the U.S. Department of Energy's "Vision 21" program, which has established a long-range goal of coal-fueled power plants that feature zero emissions.

Peabody Energy is the world's largest coal company. Its coal products fuel more than 9 percent of all U.S. electricity generation and more than 2 percent of worldwide electricity generation.

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SOURCE: Peabody Energy