For decades, Alabama Power has been researching and developing technologies and processes to produce power that's cleaner and more energy efficient. Many of the advanced technologies used by Alabama Power are focused on reducing emissions regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Other projects are helping advance technologies that may play a role in reducing greenhouse gases from coal-fired power plants and in improving the efficiency of renewable energy sources in the Southeast. Here's a sampling of some of the ongoing projects:

Research on greenhouse gas capture

The National Carbon Capture Center, located at Alabama Power's Plant Gaston in Wilsonville, is a center for developing technologies to capture greenhouse gases from coal-fired power plant emissions. The center is operated by Alabama Power's parent, Southern Company in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and other organizations and companies.

Carbon capture and storage demonstration project

At Plant Barry near Mobile, Alabama Power, the U.S. Department of Energy, Southern Company and other partners are conducting one of the world's largest demonstration projects related to the capture and storage of greenhouse gas emissions from a coal-fired power plant.

Solar technology research

For decades, Alabama Power has been studying and testing technologies to produce power from the sun. Unfortunately, because of the Southeast's frequent cloud cover and muggy conditions, solar technology is not yet as cost-effective here as in other areas of the country, and the cost of solar installations remain prohibitive for many individuals and companies. And while solar power is being employed for local, on-site production by some businesses and homeowners, it is not yet feasible for mass generation in our region. However, solar technologies are improving and costs are gradually coming down. In our latest solar research project, we are partnering with the Electric Power Research Institute and others to test four types of the latest generation of solar panels to determine how well they function in the muggy and cloudy Southeast. The research will also examine whether solar panels are becoming more cost-effective compared to other generation technologies available in the region. The solar panels are located at Alabama Power’s corporate headquarters in Birmingham.

Wind generation research

Alabama Power has partnered with the University of Alabama at Birmingham to test a small wind turbine and determine how well it functions in the Alabama's low-wind environment. The turbine is installed atop the north tower of Alabama Power's corporate headquarters.

Mercury control research and testing

A wide variety of cutting-edge environmental technologies have been tested and applied at Alabama Power and Southern Company generating plants. For example, Alabama Power's sister company, Gulf Power, is home to the first mercury controls research test center in the nation. Other research focuses on further reducing sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides from power plant emissions; technologies to reduce the impact of power plant water intakes and discharges on aquatic life; and efficiency technologies that allow the company to produce more energy with less fuel and few emissions.

Energy efficiency and savings

Alabama Power is involved with partners on a number of projects that are testing and researching technologies that can help make homes and businesses more "green" by using less energy, reducing water usage and cutting down on waste. The company also works with homeowners, businesses and government to help them become more energy efficient.