The upgrading of existing coal-fired power plants and the construction of new stations in the USA is expected to require the investment of hundreds of billions of dollars over the next 15 years according to analysts the McIlvaine Co.
The company calculates that output from existing coal-fired capacity has been pushed to its limits. Over the next six years there will be an expansion of existing capacity, while environmental measures will be introduced at existing plants at an increased rate.
In spite of the popularity of gas-fired generation, McIlvaine predicts that coal will be the most economic fuel choice for more than half the new US generating capacity. However much of the new capacity will be located near mining sites to reduce the cost of transporting coal.
More than 70 new coal-fired plants are estimated to be in the planning or construction stage. Many more are under consideration. Substantial use of low cost fuels such as petroleum coke, waste coal, biomass and sewage sludge can also be expected.
