GE, University of Wyoming sign deal

ATLANTA, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Atlanta-based GE Energy has signed a letter of intent with the University of Wyoming.

The letter, countersigned by Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, is for the development of an advanced gasification research and technology center that will be in Wyoming.

GE announced that the proposed center would consist of a small-scale gasification system that would enable the University of Wyoming and GE researchers to develop advanced gasification technology solutions for Power River Basin and other Wyoming coals.

"GE Energy and the University of Wyoming recognize that IGCC provides a cleaner alternative for power generation and has significant cost and efficiency advantages when integrated with carbon capture and sequestration. As part of the effort to accelerate IGCC technology, GE Energy is working to expand its proven gasification technology from bituminous coals to PRB and other Wyoming coals," said John Lavelle, general manager of GE Energy's gasification business. "This facility will aid in the accelerated adoption of IGCC and gasification for use on higher moisture coals such as PRB."

Wyoming has vast coal reserves capable of supporting a large portion of the nation's energy needs. In 2006 Wyoming's coal industry produced 420 million tons of coal, fueling more than 30 percent of the national electrical power.