I read recently that a coal plant retired in China this year was actually built before 1900.  So you have the right idea, just the wrong hemisphere.   Seriously, though, TXU's proposed new power plants are far from "century-before-last" technology ... they are highly efficient, state-of-the-art facilities utilizing the best available environmental control technologies - a mouthful, but true.   Did you know that TXU's new facilities will be 80% cleaner than the average U.S. coal plant in operation today?  On top of that, TXU has committed to fully offset all key pollutants from the new plants and reduce pollution an additional 20% from 2005 levels.  What's more, the new plants will be carbon-capture ready, and TXU is investing in companies, like Skyonic, to commercialize carbon capture technologies.  And, if you haven't heard about Skyonic, check them out...very cool stuff they're trying to do deep in the heart of Texas.