A network which aims to provide an international forum for organisations with an interest in the development of Oxy-Fuel Combustion Technology.

1.2 MW Pilot plant for Oxy-Coal
Combustion Test Facility (Courtesy of IHI)

Introduction

This network is organised in recognition of the different efforts by the industry to demonstrate the techno-economic feasibility of this technology as a carbon capture option for a power plant in the near future. Currently, two large demonstration plant studies at a scale of about 30MW have been planned in Germany (Greenhouse Gas Issue #78) and Australia with the plan to start up each plant within a two to three year period.

The International Network has been established as a project under the IEAGHG Implementing Agreement.

Background

Carbon dioxide capture and storage is now included in most OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries' energy policies and R&D programmes as a potential contributor to carbon dioxide mitigation strategies. One of the key technologies considered for carbon capture is Oxy-Fuel Combustion. For the power generation industry, Oxy-Coal Combustion with Recycled Flue Gas has been strongly considered for power plant retrofits and newly built plants.

Research & Development

It has been about 20 years since the first study by Argonne National Laboratory and Energy & Environment Research Corporation (now part of GE) on Oxy-Coal Combustion with Recycled Flue Gas. The study began with a view of producing CO₂ from a power plant for use in enhanced oil recovery.

During the beginning of the 1990s, the impetus of reducing greenhouse gas started. This led to studies in Europe, Japan and Canada of this type of combustion process for the consideration of carbon capture. Most of these studies focused on retrofitting the existing fleet of power plant. Some of the studies have included:

• In Europe, with funding from the European Commission under the Joule Thermie Programme (1992-1995), the International Flame Research Foundation led a consortium whose members included Mitsui Babcock, Air Products, International Combustion, University of Ulster, Imperial College and University of Napoli to investigate the combustion characteristics of an Oxy-Coal Combustion with Recycled Flue Gas.
• Ishikawajima Harima Engineering – IHI – led an Oxy-Coal Combustion research consortium in Japan with funding from NEDO (1992 – 2000). The study covered a wide range of topics from techno-economic study to flame characteristics and pollutant emissions.
• CANMET Energy Technology Centre led an Oxy-Coal Combustion Study in Canada using their 300 kW Vertical Reactor. Their studies include in-flame measurements, CFD modelling and coal characterisation.

300kW Oxy-Fuel Vertical Combustion Rig
(Courtesy of CANMET)

Interests in Oxy-Fuel Combustion have continued to grow, with work having been undertaken in Europe, Australia, Japan, USA, Canada and South Korea.

Considerations are currently being made for a large scale demonstration plant. Vattenfall has announced an investment of €40 million to build a 30MW Pilot Plant in Schwarze Pumpe Power Station.

The Callide A Project, which is an Australian-Japanese initiative, has initiated a feasibility study of retrofitting a 30MW power plant in preparation for a demonstration study.

Funding

This network is envisioned to be a task sharing activity with participants bearing their own costs.

Meeting and Summary Reports

Summary reports from previous Network workshops are available, together with information on the next workshop.

Click here to view

Membership

Membership of this network is open to countries and industries actively engaged in practical research on Oxy-Fuel Combustion, or seeking ways to promote such activities.

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Network contacts

For information on Network activities contact:

Stanley Santos, Project Officer, IEAGHG: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

John Topper, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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