LG&E Energy to test multipollutant control equipment

Louisville-based LG&E Energy Corp. will team with two vendors to conduct the first-ever field testing of a new multipollutant control process, according to a news release from the company.

The testing will take place at the Ghent generating facility in Carroll County, Ky., which is operated by LG&E Energy subsidiary Kentucky Utilities Co.

The joint demonstration project is expected to be operating later this year.

The Canadian firm Airborne Pollution Control Inc. has developed a process that removes sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from plant emissions, while turning the leftover material into a high-quality granular fertilizer, the release said. The scrubbing agent, sodium bicarbonate, which is similar to household baking soda, is regenerated in the process, reducing operating costs and waste.

This will be the first full-scale test of the combined technologies, the release said.

The Babcock & Wilcox Co., a subsidiary of New Orleans-based McDermott International Inc., is providing engineering expertise on the project.