Christopher Cherniak, P.E.

Eco Advisors, LLC

Condensed from complete article at: http://www.climatebiz.com/news/2009/12/01/progress-energy-shutter-coal-fired-power-plants

Progress Energy Carolinas will shutter four old coal-fired power plants lacking emissions control scrubbers by late 2017. The four plants — which include a total of 11 generating units — produce nearly 1,500 megawatts (MW) of energy annually and will be supplanted by a combination of new natural gas and renewable energy generation.

The company cited cost and increasing environmental regulations as the drivers behind the decision to close the units largely built in the 1950s. Progress Energy has already spent more than $2 billion implementing control systems at three plants in the state to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, mercury and other pollutants.

Christopher Cherniak is a registered professional engineer and Director of Sustainability Program Services for Eco Advisors, LLC. He’s also a correspondent for Radio Green Earth, specializing in coverage of Walmart’s Sustainability Index, EPA’s Climate Leaders Program and Federal Energy Policy legislation. Contact him at: ccherniak@ecoadvisors.net.