Illinois Senate Brings Tenaska IGCC Project Back to Life
Illinois’ Senate on Tuesday revived Tenaska’s plan to build its $3.5 billion Taylorville Energy Center (TEC), a 602-MW integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant designed to capture more than 50% of its carbon emissions.
Similar bills to approve the project failed twice in the Senate—once as recently as late October. Despite opposition Senate President John Cullerton—who is also SB 678’s sponsor—used a legislative maneuver to allow another vote on Tuesday. The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 30-28 that could require ratepayers statewide to buy the plant’s output for more than 30 years. The measure now goes to the Illinois House, where a vote is expected in the spring.
Earlier, on Jan. 12, the Illinois Senate failed to pass a bill that would have approved construction of the plant near Taylorville, in Christian County, even though the House had passed the measure last November.
“Legislators are recognizing a growing need for new generation due to the closing or retrofitting of older, less-efficient coal plants,” said Bart Ford, vice president of development for Tenaska. “Illinois SB 678 is a comprehensive solution that includes expanded energy efficiency, distributed generation, other clean electricity initiatives and the Taylorville Energy Center. We look forward to the House considering this legislation in the New Year.”
Sources: POWERnews, Tenaska
Similar bills to approve the project failed twice in the Senate—once as recently as late October. Despite opposition Senate President John Cullerton—who is also SB 678’s sponsor—used a legislative maneuver to allow another vote on Tuesday. The Senate passed the bill with a vote of 30-28 that could require ratepayers statewide to buy the plant’s output for more than 30 years. The measure now goes to the Illinois House, where a vote is expected in the spring.
Earlier, on Jan. 12, the Illinois Senate failed to pass a bill that would have approved construction of the plant near Taylorville, in Christian County, even though the House had passed the measure last November.
“Legislators are recognizing a growing need for new generation due to the closing or retrofitting of older, less-efficient coal plants,” said Bart Ford, vice president of development for Tenaska. “Illinois SB 678 is a comprehensive solution that includes expanded energy efficiency, distributed generation, other clean electricity initiatives and the Taylorville Energy Center. We look forward to the House considering this legislation in the New Year.”
Sources: POWERnews, Tenaska
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