Energy Policy Act 2005 - Fall

Advisor: Andrea Schmitz

This project develops an implementation strategy for the Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI) established under the Energy Policy Act of 2005. The initiative aims to accelerate the commercialization of advanced coal technologies capable of meeting growing U.S. electricity demand while reducing harmful environmental emissions. The report explores the scientific and policy context of coal energy in the United States, noting that coal remains a dominant energy source due to abundant domestic reserves and projected increases in electricity consumption. At the same time, traditional coal combustion produces significant pollutants—including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, mercury, and carbon dioxide—that contribute to acid rain, air pollution, and climate change. The CCPI was therefore designed to encourage technological innovation through federal funding and partnerships with industry.

The proposed implementation plan recommends establishing a new program division within the Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy, administered through the National Energy Technology Laboratory. The program would fund and oversee demonstration projects focused primarily on coal gasification technologies such as Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) and hydrogen fuel cell systems. These technologies offer significant environmental advantages by enabling the removal of pollutants before combustion and facilitating carbon capture and sequestration. The plan outlines organizational structures, staffing requirements, budget allocations, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure the effective deployment of projects. By prioritizing gasification technologies and rigorous project oversight, the initiative seeks to improve energy security while reducing environmental impacts associated with coal-based electricity generation.

Learn more about the MPA-ESP Workshop in Applied Earth Systems Management.