Last month we told you about SWEPCO’s John W. Turk Jr. Power Plant that began commercial operations on December 20, 2012 in Arkansas. Located in Hempstead County, the Turk Plant is a 600-megawatt plant and is the first ultra-supercritical generating unit to go into operation in the U.S.
Because of the technology built into the plant, it is able to generate electricity more efficiently at higher temperatures, requiring less coal and producing fewer emissions to generate the same amount of power as existing coal units.
But have you ever wondered specifically this clean coal technology works? This in-depth article from Powermag.com takes a detailed look at why the Turk plant is such an historic milestone for coal-based electricity in the U.S.
“The much-watched $1.8 billion project operates above supercritical pressure and at advanced steam temperatures above 593C (1,100F), allowing it to employ a more efficient steam cycle that tamps down fuel consumption by 13% compared to a subcritical boiler—as well as reducing reagent consumption, solid waste, water use, and operating costs.”
According to Nicholas K. Akins, AEP president and chief executive officer, “At Turk, we’ve deployed ultra-supercritical generating technology, and built one of the nation’s cleanest, most efficient pulverized coal generating plants. Turk will provide reliable, affordable power for our customers and project partners and will provide significant benefits for the area’s economy.”