CO2emissions reduction technologies in IGCC: ELCOGAS's experiences in the field

Abstract

This paper introduces the main research, development and innovation (R&D&I) activities of ELCOGAS related to CO2 emissions reduction. The largest R&D&I investment in the last decade focused on CO2 capture, with the aim of (i) demonstrating the feasibility of CO2 capture and H2 production in an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) that uses solid fossil fuels and residues as feedstock and (ii) obtaining representative economic data. Its main milestone was the commissioning in 2010 of a carbon capture pilot plant integrated in Puertollano IGCC power plant which captured 100 t/d of CO2 while producing 2 t/d of high purity H2, using proven and commercial technology. In this paper, technical results obtained, lessons learnt during the project, as well as, economic data using this pilot plant are reported. ELCOGAS is also acquiring relevant knowledge in the field of co-gasification of biomass. The most recent milestone in this subject is the execution in 2012 of real tests at two levels (2 and 4% in weight) and with two different kinds of biomass (olive oil residue and grape seed meal) pointing at assessing the influence of biomass in the IGCC process including CO2 capture within FECUNDUS (RFCR-CT-2010–00009). ELCOGAS S.A. is a Spanish company which operates the Puertollano 335MWISO IGCC demonstration power plant. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd