Next generation in power plants

The United States has only two integrated gasification-combine cycle (IGCC) power plants - the next generation of plants. One is in Florida; the other is in Indiana.

More are on the drawing boards. The IGCC plants turn coal to a gas and remove sulfur, nitrogen and mercury that cause pollution.

American Electric Power in Columbus is considering building IGCC power plants in Meigs County in southern Ohio and Mason County in northern West Virginia.

The Ohio plant would produce about 600 megawatts of electricity and cost $1.3 billion; the West Virginia plant would have a comparable size and price, spokesman Pat Hemlepp said.

The company is seeking approvals from the two states, he said. One of those plants could be at a site in Kentucky, he added.

The two plants together would produce enough electricity to power nearly 1.2 million houses.