U.S. Energy Department tests coal retrofit

WASHINGTON, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Energy announced it has successfully tested its new emissions removal method.

The new method of removing multiple pollutants from coal-fired power plants is reportedly more cost-effective than other methods. The test was conducted at a 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant at AES Greenidge's facilities in Dresden, N.Y.

Test results suggest the unit can meet increasingly stringent emissions regulations while continuing operations another 20 to 30 years.

Commercial use of the technology could help cut national emissions as well as extend the life of more than 400 power plants with capacities of between 50 and 300 megawatts.