Cleaner energy production with integrated gasification combined cycle systems and use of metal oxide sorbents for H2S cleanup from coal gas

Abstract

World primary energy demand increases with increases in population and economic development. Within the last 25 years, total energy consumption has almost doubled. In order to meet this demand, research into new sources of energy as well as improving the efficiency of energy production technologies is being carried out. In both cases, the production of clean energy is very important because of environmental concerns and regulations. Integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology seems to be one of the most promising technologies for production of energy by using fossil fuels, especially coal. Hot gas desulfurization is a crucial issue in the development of the IGCC system. This paper reviews the importance of clean energy production, the IGCC technology and focuses on the development of several metal oxide-based sorbents used for desulfurization of the hot coal gas in the IGCC system.