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Wind and solar would replace most of Xcel’s troubled Comanche 3 coal plant power — but not all

Critics of Xcel’s plan don’t want new natural gas plants; utility says plan will meet climate goals while providing reliability

Dave Edmisson , engineering manager, walks in front of two smoke stacks at the Comanche Power Station on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011. Though many believe the stacks are in fact emitting smoke, Edmisson said they are actually emitting steam. The station has updated to a clean coal operation in recent years, which is highlighted by the July 2010 addition of Comanche 3. Following the clean coal initiative at the plant, all three units now emit less pollution than units 1 and 2 did combined from the early 1970s until 2010. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
Dave Edmisson , engineering manager, walks in front of two smoke stacks at the Comanche Power Station on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011. Though many believe the stacks are in fact emitting smoke, Edmisson said they are actually emitting steam. The station has updated to a clean coal operation in recent years, which is highlighted by the July 2010 addition of Comanche 3. Following the clean coal initiative at the plant, all three units now emit less pollution than units 1 and 2 did combined from the early 1970s until 2010. AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 12:  Judith Kohler - Staff portraits at the Denver Post studio.  (Photo by Eric Lutzens/The Denver Post)
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Xcel Energy's proposal to replace the last of its coal-fired power includes some natural gas, which has meet resistance from critics.

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