The FutureGen Alliance released site selection guidelines for communities that would like to be considered as the host for a carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage site. The hub will receive and store CO₂ emissions from a power plant in Meredosia, Ill. that will be repowered with advanced oxy-combustion technology. The hub also will include CCS visitor, research and training facilities and is expected to result in additional local economic development and job creation.

Releasing the guidelines offers prospective hosts time to evaluate the opportunity, form proposal teams and acquire the resources, data and documentation that will be required for the competitive site selection process, the FutureGen Alliance said.

Later in October, the Alliance will issue an RFP and offerors will be required to submit complete proposals within approximately three weeks. The Alliance will evaluate possible sites for the CO₂ storage hub during the fall of 2010 and expects to announce a site in early 2011. At least one public meeting will be held to explain the process and accept comments. The site will undergo environmental review by the Department of Energy in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and will be fully permitted by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.

The CO₂ storage site must be able to meet minimum technical requirements including access to Mt. Simon sandstone in Illinois. The Alliance’s site selection decision will also consider factors such as the protection of environmental resources and human health and safety, cost minimization and the ability to meet the design and construction schedule. Local community support for the CO₂ storage site will be a critical factor in the Alliance’s site selection. Additional information about the site selection process is available at the FutureGen Alliance web site.

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