A last minute change in the MATS eliminated the inclusion of condensables. The 0.03 lbs/MMBtu is now just for discrete particles. The effect is to reduce the need for ultra high efficiency from a precipitator. This will translate into few fabric filters and more precipitator upgrades. The following chart represents the EPA projection prior to the particulate change. Also included are the McIlvaine projections after the change.

The MATS will generate significant revenues for air pollution control companies. New FGD plus upgrades will generate over $4 billion in revenues.

The impact of PM_2.5 is not reflected in these forecasts. However, it is a factor which could boost the market from 2015 forward. Most utilities are not taking into account any state effort to make big SO₂ reductions to lower fine sulfate particulate. There is a possibility that power plants in many areas could be forced to remove 98 percent of the SO₂ just to meet State limits promulgated for the purpose of ambient particulate reduction. This would include States to the west of States not in compliance as well as the non compliant States.

Babcock & Wilcox Power Generation Group (B&W PGG) has secured a contract from Xcel Energy to design and supply equipment for a 544 MW coal-fired plant in Colorado. The company will deliver two spray dry absorber (SDA) systems and associated equipment for Xcel Energy's coal-fired Pawnee Generating Station. The SDA system will control SO₂ emissions from the single-unit coal-fired power plant. B&W PGG will supply atomizers, a reagent preparation system, structural steel and commissioning of the project. Material delivery is scheduled for 2013, with tie-in of the SDA units anticipated for May 2014.

AE&E Lentjes enjoyed rising revenues, profits and employment in the 2005-09 period. A number of FGD systems are in startup or final design.

Babcock & Wilcox Construction Company will build and install the FGD absorber vessels, and associated reagent slurry preparation and dewatering equipment at Northern Indiana Public Service Co.’s 1,943 MW R.M. Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield, Indiana. The assignment also covers procurement of structural steel. FGD systems will be installed on two of the four boiler units there, Unit 14 (465 MW) and Unit 15 (515 MW). The first installation will be completed in the fall of 2013, for Schahfer Unit 14, and Unit 15 will be completed in the fall of 2015.

A judge has ruled that the $2.8 billion, 895 MW Holcomb coal-fired power plant cannot be built until there is an environmental review. According to the Associated Press, the recent decision follows a March 2011 ruling that said Rural Utilities Service, which was financially supporting the Holcomb power plant, failed to prepare the environmental impact statement (EIS) before approving plant owner Sunflower’s proposal to build two 700 MW plants on the site. (Note that a compromise in May 2009 with the state of Kansas allowed just one 895 MW plant to be built.)  The Kansas Department of Health and Environment extended the construction permit for the plant in July 2011, giving Sunflower another year to begin construction. There is no word on whether the current ruling will affect the construction timeline.

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