Advanced Coal Power Generation Technologies in Asian Developing Countries: Technology Status and Future Development Prospects

摘要

Current world analyses and forecasts on coal-fired power plants to be in operation by year 2011 have projected the generating capacity of the entire Asian continent to be 859,000 MW out of the world projected total coal-fired power plants operating capacity of 1,628,000 MW by that same year. In view of this development, the Asian region, most especially the developing countries therein, stand to benefit this positive indication of economic growth; but at the same time, the region has to confront perennial problems of environmental pollution, which are always associated with burning of coal fuel for power generation. This paper will be focused on developments and utilization of advanced coal power generation technologies, such as Supercritical Pulverized Coal (SCPC), Ultra- Supercritical Pulverized Coal (USC), Fluidized Bed Combustion (FBC) and Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) technologies, in Asian developing countries, particularly in China and India where coal-based generation capacity growth are expected to be very sharp. It is highly likely that if these advanced clean coal technologies are not embraced, coal-based plants run conventionally in the future, could be publicly considered as among those that are to be least desired. Eventually, individual governments, regional alliances and international organizations could give in to universal clamor for more stringent measures to cut down further on power plant emission levels. Risk factors and risk analyses in pursuing such advanced power generation technologies will be discussed and overall assessment approaches will cover cost, funding and political as well as social issues.