Washington County coal plant gets green light
Middle Georgia facility proposed at time when dirty coal appears on its way out
When everyone’s talking about climate change legislation and nuclear power, six Georgia EMCs are charging ahead in a dash to build the state’s first coal plant in 20 years.
The state Environmental Protection Division yesterday granted permits to Power4Georgians that, barring any challenges, will allow the coalition to break ground on its proposed 850-MW plant in middle Georgia — and eventually start pumping out carbon dioxide, mercury and some other delightful emissions.
Dean Alford, CEO of the company that’s managing the $2.1-billion project, the Washington County plant would generate enough electricity to power up to 700,000 homes. More than 1,600 jobs would be created during the plant’s four-year construction phase, he said, and nearly 130 on-site jobs would be available once the plant starts operations. According to press materials, the proposed facility boasts some of the most advanced technology and safeguards available.
But if you take a look at today’s energy landscape, a coal plant is a rather bold business venture. As I said to Alford yesterday, it’s kind of like starting a newspaper.