Hitachi Power Systems America, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., today announced that it has been awarded a contract to retrofit wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems to five of Ameren Corporation's power generation units at its Sioux, Coffeen, and Duck Creek plants. The scrubbers are capable of removing sulfur dioxide (SO2) from either low sulfur or high sulfur coals, providing continued flexibility for Ameren to use the least cost fuels for each plant.

Financial terms were not disclosed. As previously announced, Ameren and Hitachi Power Systems America have entered into a long-term technology alliance aimed at reducing emissions and improving reliability at Ameren's power generation units.

The companies noted that the technology alliance provides Ameren with access to Hitachi's breadth of globally proven environmental technologies for controlling flue gas emissions, as well as the company's current R&D activities to meet future emission requirements. Work will commence immediately for the design and supply of the FGD units at AmerenUE's Sioux plant in St. Charles, Missouri, AmerenEnergy Generating Company's Coffeen plant in Montgomery County, Illinois, and AmerenEnergy Resources Generating Company's Duck Creek plant in Fulton County, Illinois. Together, the three plants represent approximately 2,464 megawatts of generating capacity -- about 15 percent of Ameren's total capacity of 16,200 megawatts. Timing of installation is under review.

Commenting on the agreement, Gary Rainwater, chairman, president and CEO of Ameren Corporation said, "We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Hitachi. The company is one of the world's leaders in supporting the global power systems industry and its technology and services are world class. The application of Hitachi products and technologies to Ameren facilities will further enhance our service to our customers and communities in Illinois and Missouri."

In announcing the agreement, Henry Bartoli, president and CEO of Hitachi Power Systems America, Ltd. said, "The contract with Ameren represents an important milestone for Hitachi Power Systems America and the ongoing development of the company's North American technology center. Hitachi is a leader in wet flue gas desulfurization, selective catalytic reduction, catalyst sales and total air quality control systems solutions. We look forward to successfully deploying our technologies, engineering services, and related research and development capabilities for Ameren Corporation and the U.S. power systems marketplace."

Bob Powers, Ameren's vice president of Generation Technical Services, who led negotiations with Hitachi, said "We look forward to working with Hitachi. The company proved to us that they have world class technology in both Air Quality Control and Power Generation Systems. Hitachi is also an innovative company with a responsive management team."