Air Quality
We operate some of the cleanest and most efficient coal-fired plants in the country.
We are working to reduce emissions with the best available technology. For example, our Iatan 2 plant emits 1.3 million tons less carbon dioxide annually than the U.S. average for coal plants. And after the completion of retrofits to La Cygne, 72% of our coal fleet will have emission-reducing scrubbers installed. See below for more information about our efforts at specific plants.
Iatan 2
One of the largest, cleanest and most efficient coal-fired power plants in the United States, Iatan 2 provides 850 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 850,000 homes.
- A super-critical steam boiler allows for maximum efficiency, using 10% less fuel and generating 10% lower emissions than typical coal-fired facilities.
- State-of-the-art air quality controls reduce overall emissions. The facility emits 1.3 million tons less carbon dioxide annually than the U.S. average for coal plants.
- A zero liquid discharge unit minimizes wastewater production through evaporation and reuse.
- POWER Magazine named Iatan 2 as the 2011 Plant of the Year, citing the innovation, collaboration and expertise evident on the project.
La Cygne Generating Station
KCP&L is joint owner of this 1,450 megawatt coal-fired plant, which is undergoing environmental improvements to meet federal and state regulations for air-quality and emissions.- When the project is complete, La Cygne will have the best available emission-reducing technology.
- The project includes the installation of two wet scrubbers and a selective catalytic reduction system.
- Once these improvements are complete, 72% of our coal fleet will have emission-reducing scrubbers installed.
Hawthorn Unit 5
Reflecting a focus on efficiency, the Hawthorn Unit 5 coal-fired generation station was rebuilt in just 22 months, more than a year faster than the industry norm. The improvements increased capacity to 565 megawatts while reducing emissions.- The project took advantage of best-available control technology to dramatically lower air emissions.
- Air quality control equipment included an SCR system for NOx (nitrogen oxide) reduction, dry FGD for SO2 (sulfur dioxide) control and a pulse jet fabric filter for particulate control.
