Gulf Power Hosts National Mercury Research Center

Since Gulf Power started the nation's first Mercury Research Center in 2006, scientists from around the globe have come to Plant Crist to conduct cutting-edge research.

Gulf Power dedicated the center in 2005 as a pilot-scale facility that allows real-world testing of mercury control technologies. The center diverts a small portion of gas from one of the Plant Crist units to test smaller-scale equipment and combinations of different technologies.

Since commercial operations started in 2006, At least 18 companies from United States, Japan, Germany, France and Denmark have conducted research and technology development testing at the facility.

Research is leading to breakthroughs and tests for methods that can enhance the ability to capture mercury, including additives that combine with mercury and different materials in catalysts to boost performance in a Selective Catalytic Reduction System.

Mercury, a naturally occurring element released when coal and other fossil fuels are burned, is difficult to research because the quantities in emissions are so small. Gulf Power opened the world's first Mercury Research Center at Plant Crist near Pensacola in 2006.

Now operated by Southern Company to expand its global reach, the center is a test-bed for scientists and vendors to conduct research on mercury capture and removal.

It is significant research that can reap real benefits for the environment and our communities.

The Edison Power Research Institute recognized Southern Company and the Mercury Research Center for a test program designed to examine the behavior of five commercial SCR catalyst types to enhance mercury removal.