The first power station was built in the late 1800s to provide electricity to a small area of Manhattan. In the nearly 250 years since then, the demand for energy has steadily increased. This rising demand has placed considerable strain on a system that was still in its infancy.

Hydroelectric dams can generate significant power but are limited to locations with flowing water. In contrast, coal, natural gas, and nuclear power plants rely on steam to turn large turbines that generate electricity. While these plants are not geographically restricted to water sources, burning fossil fuels to power the steam boilers produces substantial pollution.

After the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970, there was a heightened focus on environmental responsibility. Power companies were required to assess the impact of their operations on the surrounding ecosystems. As EPA auditors began collecting air, soil, and water samples, it became evident that modifications to power plant operations were necessary.

Engineers started implementing filtration technologies to minimize potential harm. Clean natural gas (methane) can be purified before use, effectively removing harmful elements such as nitrogen, mercury, carbon dioxide, helium, hydrogen sulfide, and heavy hydrocarbons. Once purified, the gas burns much cleaner.

Coal processing differs from that of methane. Mined coal is transported to a power plant and burned in a large incinerator. Since coal cannot be purified prior to combustion, the resulting smoke contains many harmful byproducts similar to those found in natural gas. Therefore, these contaminants must be filtered to reduce any potential environmental risks. Additionally, coal ash is either disposed of in landfills or repurposed to create concrete.

The shift toward cleaner technologies and greater environmental responsibility is crucial for ensuring a sustainable future. By adopting innovative filtration methods and prioritizing cleaner energy sources, we can mitigate the harmful effects of traditional power generation methods and work towards a healthier planet.