Investment firm 8 Rivers Capital LLC has unveiled plans to build what could be the first pair of net-zero natural gas-fired power plants in the world.

One facility would be in Decatur, IL, with a second on the Southern Ute Indian Reservation in Colorado. Each would generate 280 MW.

The announcements follow plans by utilities, cities and states to lower their carbon footprints in a bid to combat climate change.  8 Rivers Principal Adam Goff said the Coyote Clean Power Project in Colorado would market power to a number of different municipalities and other entities on and off the reservation.

“I think these are the first of a wave,” Goff told NGI. The Durham, NC-based firm has about a dozen similar projects in various stages of development. “And as the world moves to cut...