GE brings its clean coal to Poland

GE Energy, an American-based company, has announced plans to develop a European Center for Clean Coal Technology and, in the longer term, a new power plant for Poland.

"GE Energy is willing to supply a new environment-friendly IGCC [Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle] plant for Poland to become a Center of Excellence for gasification technology," said Lesław Kuzaj, president of GE Energy for Central Europe. "However, the investment needs to be made by Poland, possibly with the help of EU funding as this solution is in the line with the relevant EU initiative."

According to John Krenicki, president and director general of GE Energy, technologies developed in the center will be important not only for Poland's energy security but also for solving the energy problems of the European Union.

"Because of its rich coal resources, large number of highly educated engineers and rising demand for energy, Poland is the natural location for our center," said Krenicki. "Setting up the center in this region is a stepping stone that will strategically benefit both GE Energy and Poland."

The IGCC technology that will be used in the plant converts coal into synthesis gas, which is then used as the primary fuel for a gas turbine.

Designed by GE, the IGCC technology, which uses clean coal, is the result of the company's search for more efficient and ecological energy sources.

According to media sources, in addition to developing its clean-coal center in Poland, GE Energy could also invest $1 (zł.3.10) billion in the new plant. GE Energy has been present on Poland's market since 1992 and currently employs around 5,000 staff here.