Back to the Future for FutureGen?

The Energy Department may restart the FutureGen program, a prototype coal-burning power plant equipped with carbon-management technologies, said Energy Secretary Steven Chu last week. The construction of FutureGen had begun by the Bush administration but was scrapped before operation began because of cost overruns. "We are taking, certainly, a fresh look at FutureGen, how it would fit into this expanded portfolio," said Chu. Chu said he has been working with foreign ministers to ensure greater international collaboration. While the FutureGen plant was to have been a test bed for several technologies, if other nations pursue certain projects, those technologies would not have to be a part of FutureGen, helping to reduce costs that otherwise could have been more than $2 billion. Ten to 12 carbon capture and storage demonstration plants are being planned by nations in the European Union.  Read more at New York Times