Christine, TX; January 23, 2012– The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Cooperative Research Network (CRN) and Shaw Environmental, Inc. (“Shaw”) finalized an agreement to test multi-pollutant control (MPC) technologies at a 440-MW lignite coal-fired power plant.

CRN and a coalition of generation and transmission cooperatives (G&Ts) funded the demonstration, consisting of a field test of Shaw’s new mercury reduction control technology, EMO ™, at San Miguel Electric Cooperative’s 440-MW lignite plant in Christine, Texas.

A second test program is being explored to demonstrate the ability of new technology combinations deployed for multi-pollutant control, including removal of mercury, nitrous oxide, and acid gases among others. 

The tests will provide information on the performance and optimization of these technologies, which have a potential to reduce pollutant emissions at a significantly lower cost than environmental upgrades using conventional technologies.

On behalf of cooperatives nationwide, CRN is investigating alternative methods for complying with the new, stricter standards for particulate emissions under the Clean Air Act.

About the Cooperative Research Network®

The Cooperative Research Network (CRN), a service of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, investigates technologies that can help electric cooperative utilities control costs, increase productivity and enhance service to their consumer–members.