IGCC — The Best Choice for Producing Low-CO2 Power

Abstract

This chapter highlights the results of two comprehensive studies on CO2 reduction measures using integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology. In view of recent and future developments in the field of IGCC power plants expressed by increasing overall efficiencies, a significant reduction in CO2 emissions becomes possible solely by replacing old and low-efficient pulverized-coal-fired (PCF) power stations with advanced IGCC plants. If CO2 emission has to be reduced by 60 or even 80 % and coal has to be used under such circumstances, an extensive separation of CO2 from the power plant process could be of increasing importance as an option. However, any CO2 removal measure will unavoidably and significantly reduce the station efficiency and power output. It deals with reduced CO2 production by efficient use of energy resulting in an advanced coal-based IGCC concept with 51.5 % net efficiency (LHV). The chapter also provides IGCC solutions to reduce the CO2 emission to the atmosphere via CO shift and CO2 separation followed by coproduction of methanol/synthetic gasoline as an interim disposal option. An economic analysis ends up with acceptable 6 % points efficiency loss due to CO2 removal and production costs for the liquid transportation fuels around present gasoline market prices including tax.