Pee Dee Coal Plant (SC)
Proposed SC plant relies on outdated technology instead of cleaner alternatives
The coastal region of South Carolina, enjoyed by millions of tourists and locals each year, has much to lose from sea level rise associated with a warming planet. That’s why South Carolina has taken new and impressive efforts to curb global warming. At the same time however, Santee Cooper, a South Carolina state-owned utility, is planning a new project that would undermine these efforts by producing large amounts of greenhouse gases, as well as soot and smog pollution harmful to people and the environment.
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The proposed expansions would add an extra 8.7 million tons per year of carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere, speeding the rate of global warming.
The two new 660-megawatt old coal-fired units would be constructed in Florence County, South Carolina, on a greenfield site adjacent to the Great Pee Dee River. The plant would emit about 8.7 million tons of carbon dioxide every year, and thousands of tons of soot- and smog-forming pollutants annually for at least 50 years. Every year the plant would emit over 300 pounds of mercury along a river that already has so much mercury in it the fish are unsafe to eat. When the costs of carbon are considered, a pulverized coal plant is a poor economic choice as well: efficiency gains and renewable sources could met the region's needs with lower long term costs.
Ironically, if Santee Cooper increased efficiency by 1% a year, it could avoid building this plant altogether. This is possible in South Carolina, which already uses more electricity per person than 46 other states.
Before spending over a billion dollars in state money, South Carolina should examine every alternative for reducing demand and generating power through other, cleaner sources. If building a new plant is absolutely unavoidable, Santee Cooper should pursue more advanced coal technologies that have at least the hope of not furthering the state's contribution to global warming.
Efficiency is not only the cheapest, fastest, cleanest and safest way to generate power; efficiency and renewables can produce more local jobs than a highly automated plant burning dirty imported fuel.
The Southern Environmental Law Center is helping to lead an unprecedented coalition of South Carolina citizens and groups who seek smarter energy solutions from the state-owned utility.
