Enhancing safety and efficiency at Duke Energy’s Edwardsport integrated gasification combined cycle plant

The challenge

Duke Energy’s Edwardsport power plant is a large, established clean coal-fired power station, utilizing integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology to generate over 600 MW of energy while meeting strict emissions standards. As one of the few coal-fired facilities still in operation, it combines power generation with coal gasification, introducing layers of operational complexity.

In addition to managing these intricate processes, the plant faced age-related efficiency challenges and regulatory compliance demands. Safety and emissions control were top priorities—especially for coal degasification, which presents unique risks that require precise monitoring and rapid response.

The solution

GE Vernova implemented a fully integrated, advanced control system to support both power generation and gasification processes, ensuring enhanced safety, reliability, and process control. The solution included:

• Mark VIe Distributed Control System (DCS)—Managing coal gasification operations. 
• Mark VIe S Safety System—Providing enhanced gasifier safety controls. 
• Mark VIe DCS—Overseeing balance-of-plant operations for optimized efficiency. 
• Ex2100e Excitation System—Ensuring precise voltage regulation and system stability.

By consolidating power and process controls onto a single platform, Duke Energy’s operators gained greater visibility, faster response times, and a simplified operational framework, helping improve control over complex gasification processes.