In the oxyfuel process, coal is combusted in an atmosphere consisting of pure oxygen and carbon dioxide (CO2). This purer mixture burns at a higher temperature than natural air, and so utilisation of the oxyfuel process results in more efficient burning.
Additionally, the resultant flue gas is not diluted by nitrogen from the air, but primarily consists of CO2 and water vapour.
This vapour is easily condensable, leaving a highly concentrated CO2 stream. The CO2 can then be compressed and transferred for storage.
As part of its efforts to promote this method, the energy group Vattenfall has commissioned a 30-megawatt pilot facility at the site of the Schwarze Pumpe lignite-fired power plant in Brandenburg, Germany.
Vattenfall intends to create a demonstration plant showcasing oxyfuel technology in Jänschwalde, Germany.
