Emissions Reduction

Our company takes a strategic approach to managing air emissions, taking into consideration both stringent environmental requirements and growing electricity demand. Alliant Energy’s Environmental Progress Report published in September 2006 included a special Emissions Planning Appendix (PDF) that shared details of this approach.

Our company focuses on the following key areas:

• Installation of commercially demonstrated air emissions controls;
• Power plant efficiency improvements;
• Expanded use of renewable energy sources;
• Energy efficiency programs; and
• Supporting development of technology solutions.

Alliant Energy reported over 3.9 million tons of carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas) emissions were reduced, avoided or sequestered in 2006.

Managing Air Emissions

Alliant Energy continues to implement plans to comply with future air emissions regulations through installation of emissions controls and monitoring equipment throughout our fleet of power plants. The changes our company is making are expected to significantly impact future air emissions.

The requirements of the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) and Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR) drive our plans. We have also considered other aspects of the Clean Air Act.

Regulatory uncertainty remains until various aspects of future federal and state air regulations are finalized. Representatives from our company continue to actively participate in the regulatory process to anticipate necessary adjustments and update our plans.

Energy for a new generation

The technology selected for use in IPL’s proposed expansion to the Sutherland Generating Station will make it the most efficient coal-fired plant in IPL’s fleet and one of the most efficient in the country. The plant will have environmental controls to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury and particulate matter released into the air.

The new boiler being designed for potential expansion at our Nelson Dewey Generating Station in Wisconsin will be able of burning up to 10 percent biomass, a renewable fuel source, along with its other more conventional sources of fossil fuel.

Learn more about our proposed expansions in our 2007-2015 Generation Plan.

SmartBurn

Alliant Energy subsidiary RMT, Inc., is on the forefront pollution prevention through the use of SmartBurn, a science-and technology-driven approach to reducing NOx emissions. We have successfully implemented this technology at several Alliant Energy coal plants, resulting in significant emission reductions.

Mercury Emissions

Alliant Energy is installing Hg continuous emissions monitors (CEMs) at our larger coal-fired power plants. These monitors will constantly measure Hg emissions at our plants and are required for EPA reporting starting in 2009. Alliant Energy started installing Hg CEMs in July 2006 at our Edgewater Generating Station.

Learn more about how we’re taking ownership of environmental responsibilities.