Pre-combustion capture technology is an upstream process for sublimating coal in combined cycle power plants (also known as gas and steam power plants).
This process is also called integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC).
IGCC technology first converts coal to a synthesis gas (syngas) inside a gasifier at high temperatures and under pressure. The syngas mainly comprises hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
A water-gas shift reaction is then used to create carbon dioxide and additional hydrogen. The carbon dioxide can then be scrubbed, and the hydrogen burnt in the gas turbine.
IGCC technology without CO2 separation has been used in power plants since the 1980’s.
IGCC more effectively increases plant efficiency than other CO2 separation methods. It is also a versatile process enabling different feedstocks (such as biomass or waste) to be used instead of coal. The resulting syngas can also be used to manufacture fuels such as methanol.
Linde is involved in the ENCAP and COORETEC research programmes, which are dedicated to advancing the development of this technology.
Rheinisch-Westfälisches Elektrizitätswerk (RWE) Power is currently developing the world’s first coal-fired power plant with CO2 transport and storage using IGCC technology. The company aims to commission this industrial-scale plant in 2014, engineered for 450-megawatt capacity and 40 percent efficiency.
The CO2 generated will be compressed and transported via pipeline to storage sites, probably in saline aquifers. The plant’s location and type of fuel (lignite or pit coal) will be decided in the near future.
