A Wisconsin utility wants to install some novel pollution control technology on one of its power plants. Wisconsin Public Service wants to install ReACT – or Regenerative Activated Coke Technology – on its Weston 3 power plant, in order to reduce some emissions by more than 90 percent. “Under the new environmental regulations and those being considered, it would make it difficult for Weston 3 to remain viable, and operating enough to be efficient and economical unless we do these upgrades,” said utility spokesman Kerry Spees.
This would be the first time that Regenerative Activated Coke Technology would be used commercially in the U.S. “It’s been successfully used in Japan for many, many years,” he said. “It’s been successfully tested in the United states, but it’s never been installed on a plant for commercial operation.”
The utility is asking the state Public Service Commission for a certificate of authority for the $250-million dollar project, which Spees said could have a major impact on the central Wisconsin economy. “If we get the green light, at the peak of construction we’ll probably see about 220 jobs,” he said, adding that the project is expected to take up to three and a-half years to complete. WPS customers will likely see their bills go up three dollars a month, starting in 2016 to pay for the project.
Matt Lehman, WSAU
