In 2002, Alcoa broke new ground in its goal to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions 30% worldwide by 2007 as construction started on a $48 million selective catalytic reduction system at its Warrick Power Plant in Indiana.
The new system will reduce NOx emissions by an average of 42% annually, or about 2,540 metric tons (2,800 tons), for the plant's 300-watt generating Unit 4. NOx is a byproduct of coal-fired power plants and is associated with the creation of ground-level ozone.
Unit 4 is the Warrick plant's largest generating unit and is jointly owned by Alcoa and Vectren, a local energy company. The catalytic reduction system, which will bring the unit into compliance with Indiana's new air regulations, will come online in 2004.
"I live on a hill near the plant, and I definitely get some of its releases," said Don Mottley, a local environmentalist. "This reduction project has been long overdue, and I'm glad Alcoa is stepping up to rid the environment of these toxins. I do want to say that Alcoa has been very open with its emissions and other data and has always tried to be a good corporate neighbor. Once we see the emissions numbers drop, I'm sure I'll have more praise for the company's environmental work."
The four-story selective catalytic reduction system being installed on Unit 4 uses non-hazardous aqueous ammonia injected into flue gases to stimulate a reaction that changes NOx into nitrogen and water. Alcoa is also starting an initiative to cut NOx emissions by more than 50% on the power plant's other three generating units through the use of low-NOx burners.
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