Brookline Power Plant massive new tower (Springfield: appliances, homes, utilities)

[GetmeoutofAR]

Can anyone tell me about that massive new tower they are building at the Brookline power plant. Shouldn't we be downsizing those types of things in this age of global warming instead of adding a massive new stack?

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by GetmeoutofAR

Can anyone tell me about that massive new tower they are building at the Brookline power plant. Shouldn't we be downsizing those types of things in this age of global warming instead of adding a massive new stack?

That would probably be a coal plant. Missouri tends to rely VERY heavily on coal for electricity generation, and the price of that is rising due to global demand as well as higher transportation costs. Coal produces mercury, nitrogen oxides, CO2, and radiation. Missouri also ranks quite low in energy efficiency programs that would offset a decent level of demand increase. I would expect federal regulations on CO2 levels to come about in the next couple of years.

EDIT: It could also be the ethanol plant if it is in Webster County.

[skiper]

Global warming ????

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by skiper

Global warming ????

It is better to invest in energy efficiency instead of relying on polluting coal even if one doesn't think climate change is a reality.

[ShadowCaver]

Tall flue gas stacks are necessary for many purposes - cooling, efficiency, ejection at higher atmospheric level, etc.

Are you actually talking about the City Utilities of Springfield, Missouri - SW2 project?

As to reason why - if this is indeed the coal-fired electrical generating station - look around you, see all those pretty lights, them modern appliances and conveniences, the ability to heat and cool buildings/homes, and so on? Increased efficiency, decreased usage, etc. are all needed to help minimize new plants being built, but at rate our electrical appetite as a nation is going, there is valid need for more generation.