Alstom Participates in Energy Forum: Finding a Path Forward for Coal

Last week in Washington D.C., US Country President Amy Ericson, along with other representatives from across the business, took part in a discussion with leading energy and government experts about the importance of investing in clean coal technologies and finding a viable path forward for coal.

Ericson delivered the key note address at the Coal Utilization Research Councils Advanced Coal Technology Showcase, where U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) Secretary Ernest Moniz led the proceedings. She emphasized that coal, paired with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies that Alstom invests heavily in, forms a critical part of the Presidents Climate Action Plan. John Marion, Boilers R&D Execution Director, presented on Alstoms research and development activities in the field, focusing on chemical looping; The next-generation CCS technology holds strong promise to lower costs he said.

Moniz affirmed the importance of CCS to greenhouse gas reduction and in the DoE partnering with industry leaders such as Alstom, to drive CCS developments for worldwide application. He suggested that such developments are at a critical stage and next steps will involve large scale, field demonstrations that will prove the reduction of energy costs, with increased reliability. Senator Heitkamp (D-ND) also participated at the Showcase, discussing the legislation she introduced earlier this year which would incentivize companies to invest in and support further research and development of advanced clean coal technologies, as well as highlighting the advancements her state of North Dakota has made to develop clean coal technology in its all-of-the-above energy approach.

Also representing Alstom at the forum were Bob Hilton, John Cohen, Fred Kozak and Nancy Mohn.