Monday, February 10, 2025
1:00 – 4:00 PM Tour and Fireside Chat Opportunities
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Tour and Discussion Around Power Optimization Center Tour Sold Out
3:00 – 4:30 PM Fireside Chat with the National Coal Transportation Association/John Ward
5:00 – 7:00 PM 25th Anniversary Reception Celebrating a Quarter Century of Collaboration and Innovation
Join us for a milestone celebration! The Coal Users Group is turning 25, and we're inviting you to join us for a special anniversary reception.
For 25 years, the Coal Users Group has been creating opportunities for power generators to gather and share lessons learned and better practices around the safe and efficient use of coal, fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and addressing the unique challenges faced by coal users. To commemorate this significant milestone, we're hosting a reception filled with networking and camaraderie. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a historic event! Join us as we celebrate 25 years of excellence and look forward to the future of the coal industry.
Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025
7:00 – 8:00 AM Breakfast and Roundtable discussion
8:00 – 10:00 AM PowerGen International Keynote
10:00 AM Break
10:30 AM Welcome and Overview
10:45 AM From Then to Now: Navigating the Roadmap to Safety and Efficiency
Over the past quarter century, the coal industry has navigated significant changes. This session will delve into the key developments, challenges, and successes that have shaped the industry's evolution. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion with industry pioneers, Barry Bosewell and John Bridson. They will share their experiences, insights, and visions for the future of coal power. Topics to be covered include:
• Historical milestones and key trends in the coal industry
• Challenges faced during the transition from lignite to PRB fuels
• Best practices for collaboration and knowledge sharing
• The importance of understanding combustible dust and mitigating risks
• The evolving role of coal power in a changing energy landscape
Whether you are a seasoned industry professional or just starting your journey in the coal power sector, this session offers valuable insights into the past, present, and future of this dynamic industry.
12:00 - 1:30 PM Lunch on Exhibit
1:30 PM From Mine to Megawatt: The Journey of GOB Coal — Eric Mullins, Sr. Operations Manager, Savage
This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of Savage’s Virginia City operations. We will delve into the mining, transportation, blending, and delivery of “garbage of bituminous” (GOB) coal to Dominion Energy’s Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center (VCHEC). Additionally, we will share valuable insights, best practices, and lessons learned from the successful reclamation of over 4 million tons of GOB since VCHEC’s inception in 2012.
2:00 PM Safety Case Study - Wilberg Mine Fire – David Verdi, Pacificorp
This session will delve into a real-world case study of a coal mine fire and its far-reaching consequences. By examining the events surrounding the fire, we will gain valuable insights into the potential risks associated with coal mining operations and the importance of effective prevention measures.
Key topics covered in this session include:
Case study analysis: A detailed examination of the fire, including its cause, timeline, and the resulting damage.Impact on coal supply: The effects of the fire on the availability of coal to consumers, both locally and regionally.
Lessons learned: Valuable takeaways from the incident, such as safety protocols, emergency response procedures, and risk management strategies.
Prevention techniques: Explore proven methods for preventing coal mine fires, including early detection systems, ventilation practices, and regulatory compliance.By attending this session, you will gain a deeper understanding of the potential hazards associated with coal mining and the critical role of safety and prevention in mitigating risks. This knowledge can help to ensure the continued operation of coal mines while minimizing the likelihood of future incidents.
2:30 PM Ameren Labadie Energy Center Coal Receiving Upgrades – Case Study — Pete Dubois
Many of the remaining coal-fired generation fleets within the U.S. have been aging for the past 30 years. These facilities play a critical role in grid stability and cost competitiveness within energy production. Due to potential end-of-life issues that can cause production deficiencies, as well as increased safety concerns while operating older equipment, many utilities are rightfully considering and/or implementing upgrades in areas of the coal handling facilities to address these concerns.
Over the past two (2) years, Ameren has completed the first two (2) projects of coal handling system upgrades to the Labadie Energy Center Railcar Coal Receiving System. Two more projects are in progress to complete this effort. The work completed is primarily for safety reasons and secondarily to maintain the energy center's coal-receiving system operation until the planned closure in the 2040s. A history review of coal mine and plant fires and explosions including Ameren's history will be presented. This will include a review of the safety issues found before the start of this multi-project effort as well as the system performance conditions found pre-project initiation. Specific safety improvements and performance improvements for the energy center's railcar receiving system will be shown.
Key Takeaways:
- Gain an appreciation for coal explosion and fire risks.
- Attendees will leave with an understanding of the best practices for mitigating coal handling system safety risks.
- Gain an understanding of potential cost risks associated with poor-performing coal handling systems.
3:00 PM Break
3:30 PM Panel Session: Navigating the Evolving Safety Landscape
As the workforce continues to evolve, so too must safety practices and protocols. This panel session will delve into the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing workplace and explore strategies for maintaining a strong safety culture.
Workforce Transition and Safety Culture:
- How has the changing workforce (e.g., generational shifts, remote work) impacted your safety culture?
- What strategies have you implemented to address emerging safety concerns related to these trends?
Overlooked Safety Protocols:
- What are the most common safety protocols that are often overlooked or misunderstood?
- How do you combat these oversights and ensure compliance with safety regulations?
Key Safety Challenges:
- What are the most pressing safety challenges your organization faces on a daily basis?
- Where are you currently focusing your efforts to address these challenges?
Preparing the Workforce:
- How are you preparing your employees for the specific hazards they encounter in their roles?
- What training programs and initiatives are in place to enhance safety awareness and knowledge?
Tools for Safety:
- What tools and technologies do you use to promote safety and ensure employees return home safely each day?
- How do you measure the effectiveness of these tools and make necessary adjustments?
This panel session will provide valuable insights into the evolving safety landscape and offer practical strategies for organizations to navigate these challenges successfully.
4:30 - 6:00 PM Reception on Exhibit Floor
Wednesday, Feb 12, 2025
7:00 – 8:00 AM Breakfast and Roundtable Discussion
8:00 AM Domestic and International Coal Markets Update Woods McKensie/Anthony Knutson
Join us for an insightful session on the current state and future outlook of coal markets both domestically and internationally. We'll explore the latest trends and changes in the US coal industry, including shifts in production, consumption, and export patterns. Additionally, we'll provide a comprehensive understanding of the global thermal coal market, analyzing supply, demand, and pricing trends in both the short and long term. The session will also delve into the metallurgical coal market, examining key factors influencing its future, from production to end-use in steelmaking. Furthermore, we'll discuss the role of coal in the context of global energy transitions, focusing on scenarios that aim for net zero emissions and those with delayed transitions. This session is designed for industry professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of coal markets. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and ahead of the curve in a rapidly changing energy landscape.
• US domestic coal + exports – an evolving industry
• Global thermal coal – near and long-term market views
• Global metallurgical coal – near and long-term market views
• Coal’s place under Wood Mackenzie’s Net zero and delayed transition scenarios
8:45 AM Environmental Challenges – Chlorine in Coal and HCl Emissions- Rod Hatt, Coal Combustion, Inc.
The common salt found in every ocean in the world, NaCl can be found in coal, and when burned can emit hydrochloric acid, HCl. HCl emissions are now regulated under US EPA MACT and other state and local regulations. This paper describes the chlorine in coal, how it is measured, and how important it is to monitor to stay within emission limits.
9:30 AM A Safer Future: The Role of Technology in Coal Transportation – Kenny Timothy, Director SH&E, Savage
Savage is a key player in the coal industry, providing comprehensive transportation, logistics, and material handling services across North America. Annually, we transport approximately XX million tons of coal via public and private roads to diverse destinations. This demanding task requires a highly skilled team of drivers equipped with the necessary training, focus, and tools to navigate a multitude of hazards.
The trucking industry is rapidly evolving, incorporating advanced technologies that enhance driver fitness assessments, preparation, and skill evaluation. These technologies also play a crucial role in risk mitigation by providing real-time feedback to drivers as they perform their duties. This presentation will delve into the specific tools that have significantly contributed to reducing both injury and damage risks.
10:00 AM Break
10:30 AM Boiler Cyclone Replacement – Babcock Wilcox/Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc.
11:15 AM Unique Solutions to Coal Handling in 2024 and Beyond Skip Akers, PRPA
12:00 – 1:30 PM Lunch on Exhibit Floor
1:30 PM Hazard Mitigation and Loss Control/Audit Process – Andrew Gonzales, Vistra and Shannon Hill, Evergy
2:30 PM Break
3:00 PM Innovation Initiative Awards Presentations
4:30 – 6:00 PM Reception on Exhibit Floor
