For Immediate
Release
Powerspan's
Upgraded Multi-Pollutant Control Technology
Demonstrates High Removal of SO2 and NOx
NEW DURHAM, N.H., March 15, 2002—Powerspan
Corp. announced initial test results today from the upgraded one-megawatt
pilot unit demonstrating its Electro-Catalytic Oxidation (ECO™)
technology, a multi-pollutant control system for coal-fired power
plants. The pilot test unit, located at FirstEnergy Corp.'s (NYSE:
FE) R.E. Burger Plant near Shadyside, Ohio, reduced sulfur dioxide
(SO2) by 97 percent and nitrogen oxides (NOx) by 90 percent based
on typical inlet NOx conditions. The all-in-one, integrated ECO
system is also designed to remove high percentages of mercury
and fine particulate matter.
Pilot tests of the ECO technology conducted
in 1999 and 2000 showed significant reductions in SO2, NOx, mercury,
and fine particulate matter. In 2001 Powerspan enhanced the ECO
process to improve removal efficiencies for SO2 and NOx while
maintaining the high removal levels of mercury and fine particulate
matter demonstrated in previous testing. These latest pilot test
results reflect the improvements to the technology.
"The latest test results verify what
we've seen in our labs as we've developed and improved the ECO
process for commercial implementation," said Powerspan Chairman
and CEO Frank Alix. "Based on these results, we believe the
ECO system will provide equal or better performance than the best
available emission control technologies currently in use. In addition,"
Alix added, "the ECO process can produce a commercial fertilizer
byproduct that reduces operating costs and avoids landfill disposal
of waste."
"We are pleased with these initial ECO test results. Performance
of the pilot unit is encouraging," said Dan Steen, Director
of FirstEnergy's Environmental Department. "We are excited
about the potential of ECO technology to reduce emissions at a
lower cost."
The ECO pilot unit is jointly funded by Powerspan
and FirstEnergy. In June 2001 the U.S. Department of Energy awarded
Powerspan a $2.25 million grant to optimize the mercury removal
capability of ECO technology.
Powerspan and FirstEnergy are now installing
a commercial ECO demonstration unit of approximately 50 megawatts
at the R.E. Burger Plant. Funding is provided by Powerspan, FirstEnergy,
and the Ohio Coal Development Office within the Ohio Department
of Development.
About Powerspan
Powerspan Corp. is engaged in the development and commercialization
of proprietary energy technology for the global electric power
industry. Company research and development efforts focus on unique
applications of its technology to reduce the environmental impact
of power generation. For more information, visit the company's
website, www.powerspan.com.
About FirstEnergy
FirstEnergy is a registered public utility holding company headquartered
in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries produce more than $12 billion
in annual revenues and sell 124 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.
FirstEnergy's seven electric utility operating companies comprise
the nation's fourth largest investor-owned electric system, based
on serving 4.3 million customers within a 36,100-square-mile area.
Visit www.firstenergycorp.com
for further information.
###
Contact:
Powerspan Corp.
Stephanie Procopis, Director of Marketing
Phone: (603) 859-2500, ext. 20
Fax: (603) 859-2501
Email: sprocopis@powerspan.com
