FutureGen is an initiative to build and operate the world's first coal-based power plant that removes and sequesters carbon dioxide (CO2) while producing electricity and hydrogen.

“This is a milestone event that builds on our work with the public and private sectors to build the first zero-emissions power plant," US Department of Energy secretary of Fossil Energy Jeffrey Jarrett said.

India's participation in the $1 billion FutureGen project builds upon the US-India energy dialogue launched in May 2005. That agreement aims to increase US-India trade and investment in the Indian energy sector.

US energy secretary Samuel Bodman had invited government members of the international Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) to become active participants in the FutureGen project.

The CSLF is a voluntary climate initiative that includes 20 developed and developing nations plus the European Commission. CSLF members are engaged in cooperative technology development aimed at enabling the early reduction and steady elimination of carbon dioxide. India is the first CSLF member to participate in FutureGen.

FutureGen will initiate operations around 2012.