CANADIAN CLEAN POWER COALITION: THE EVALUATION OF OPTIONS FOR CO_2 CAPTURE FROM EXISTING NEW COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS

摘要

The Canadian Clean Power Coalition (CCPC), an association of Canadian coal and coal-fired power producers, has completed Phase I of a detailed analysis of technology options to control air emissions, including CO_2, which result from coal use. The goal of the project is to demonstrate that coal-fired electric power can be generated with natural gas combined cycle emission levels, and to show that CO_2 can be captured for commercial use or ultimate sequestration at a cost which does not render coal uneconomic. Phase Ⅰ commenced in 2001 and initial engineering studies were completed in 2004 to evaluate technology options for both retrofit and new plants. A study was conducted on emission control options for retrofit to existing plants that looked at NOx, SOx, Hg, particulates and all other pollutants. This study excluded CO_2 in order to provide a baseline for the net costs of CO_2 capture. Cost estimates and target emission levels will be discussed. The paper will also present the results from the Phase Ⅰ feasibility studies that addressed three technologies for CO_2 removal; i.e. amine scrubbing, CO_2/O_2 combustion and gasification. Three typical Canadian coal types were used in the study - bituminous, sub-bituminous and lignite. Capital cost, cost of electricity and cost of CO_2 avoided estimates will be presented. In addition, studies were conducted to evaluate CO_2 utilization and storage options. The Western Canada Sedimentary Basin and Nova Scotia coal seams were investigated. Options reviewed included enhanced oil recovery, enhanced coal bed methane production, storage in depleted oil and gas reservoirs and storage in deep saline aquifers. The CCPC has embarked on Phase Ⅱ that will include an optimization of the technology issues identified in Phase Ⅰ. This effort will lead to the development of a business case for one or more demonstration projects. It is planned to complete a demonstration project by the 2010-2012 timeframe. An update on the current status of the Phase Ⅱ work will be provided in the paper.