• Kentucky Utilities (KU) plant
• Built in north-east Carroll County near Ghent, the plant site covers 1,685 acres and began commercial operation in 1973 with a net generating capacity of 2,000 MW
• One of the most environmentally sound and technologically advanced coal-fired generation plants in the nation. All of Ghent's generating units comply with the most stringent federal and state air, water and waste regulations
• KU's newest and largest coal-fired power plant, the units at Ghent generate approximately 60% of KU's coal-fired electricity - more than the Company's other four coal-burning generating stations combined
• Each of the generating units is equipped with advanced low-NO_x burners to minimise the formation of NO_x in the boiler and with electrostatic precipitators designed to remove dust from the gas stream that results from burning coal. A network of monitoring systems on the three chimneys measures air quality to ensure compliance with environmental protection standards
• In late 1994, a scrubber system was installed at Ghent Unit 1 and reduced sulphur dioxide emissions by at least 90% - from approximately 80,000 tonnes per year to less than 8,000 tonnes per year
• Five miles of pipeline and four miles of fibre optic 'highway' connect the three scrubber modules, or towers, and auxiliary facilities. Each tower is capable of handling 50% of the unit's flue gases so that a spare module will always be available. Non-stop, 24-hours-a-day, the scrubber cleanses the flue gases from the unit
• The scrubber system produces 175,000 tonnes of gypsum, a reaction by-product, per year for use in manufacture of wallboard for the home construction industry
• The Ghent generating station is looked upon as a leader among international utilities. Recognised as a low cost, electricity producer, Ghent station has played host to a number of international utility professionals. Representatives from China, Russia, South Africa and other countries have visited the plant to learn the secret of low cost, power production. These visitors find that efficient management can run the station with less than 230 employees, minimum waste and maximum production
• Each of Ghent's four generating units can produce enough electricity to light five million, 100-watt light bulbs. The station consumes an average of 14,000 tonnes of coal daily
• Starting in 1995, the facility partnered with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife to participate in the Peregrine Falcon Restoration Programme which, since then, has helped remove the falcon from the Federal Endangered Species List. This has included the installation of nesting boxes, non-intrusive fibre optic camera viewing, hatchling banding and a community youth education programme
• KU has met the Clean Air Act's Phase II SO² and NO_x emission limitations at each station through a system-wide average starting in the year 2000

See data file for comprehensive environmental data

For more information: www.lgeenergy.com