This special plenary session will feature invited speakers to discuss the most significant energy issues currently confronting industry today in the context of a new Presidential Administration, a new Congress, evolving state and regional programs and ever changing international climate. Moderated by Peter Skarzynski, President of UTEK-Strategos. A brief discussion on TECO's state-of-the-art integrated coal gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) power plant (Polk Power Station), which produces enough electricity to serve 75,000 homes.
The *260-megawatt IGCC facility began commercial operation in the fall of 1996. Construction on Polk Unit Two began in 1998 and Unit Three in 1999. These two 180-megawatt simple cycle combustion turbines use natural gas and distillate oil to generate electricity. Unit Two and Unit Three started commercial operation in July 2000 and May 2002 respectively. Polk Units four and five, two 160-megawatt (MW) units were completed in April 2007. The two new simple-cycle peaking units use natural gas to generate electricity. A brief presentation on the present state of solar power technologies, and a look their future outlook. Discussion on the state of the nuclear power industry. A brief presentation on the overview of wind power development and a look at some obstacles to overcome.