Benefits to Illinois

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Economic Growth

Illinois is home to vast deposits of high-energy bituminous coal. FutureGen will greatly benefit industries involved in mining, transportation and the use of clean coal technology research and development – industries that currently employ thousands of people across the state.

FutureGen will also create jobs. An economic impact study from Southern Illinois University Carbondale found that FutureGen would have a much larger economic impact than the 1,300 construction jobs and 150 permanent jobs that are estimated to be created. During the four-year construction period, there would also be more than $1 billion in economic impact statewide. Approximately 1,225 indirect and induced spin-off jobs will be created as a result of the ripple effect generated by FutureGen.

During the four-year construction period, there would also be more than $1 billion in economic impact statewide and 1,225 indirect and induced spin-off jobs will be created as a result of the ripple effect generated by FutureGen.

Once FutureGen is operational, the study shows it will generate $135 million annually in total statewide economic output, with an $85 million annual increase in Coles and Douglas counties if either Mattoon or Tuscola is selected. It will also create an additional 360 indirect and induced full-time jobs statewide, according to the report.

Environmental Benefits

FutureGen represents an important and revolutionary scientific breakthrough. For the first time the power of coal can be harnessed without releasing harmful emissions into the environment.

FutureGen will help ensure the long-term viability and affordability of coal as a major energy source for the United States. The project will represent a significant step in the United States' efforts to move technology forward and aid in advancing the scientific engineering basis for capturing and storing carbon dioxide and dramatically reduce emissions with a goal of near-zero emissions in future plants in the U.S. and around the world.

Scientific Advancement

FutureGen is the first facility of its kind to combine and test several cutting-edge technologies in a single plant, including coal gasification, emissions controls, hydrogen production, electricity generation, and carbon dioxide capture and sequestration.