American Electric Power Co. - Ghent Generating Station (Coal-Fired)

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* Began commercial operation in 1973 with a net generating capacity of 2,000 megawatts.
* 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's 1,700-acre site generate approximately 75% of KU's electricity-more than the company's other four coal-burning generating stations combined.
* Each of the generating units is equipped 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 sulfur dioxide emissions by at least 90%-from approximately 80,000 tons per year to less than 8,000 tons per year.
* Five miles of pipeline and four miles of fiber 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 Ghent Generating Station is looked upon as a leader among international utilities. Recognized as a low-cost, electric producer, Ghent Station plays 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 to 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 tons of coal daily.