Post-combustion capture of CO2 from coal-fired power plants in China and Australia: An experience based cost comparison

Abstract

Abstract A techno-economic comparative assessment is made for an amine based post-combustion capture (PCC) process applied to representative coal-fired power plants in Australia and China. The assessment is based on an in-depth analysis of the cost of generation. The process and cost models for integrated power and capture plants have been obtained using ASPEN Rate-Sep, Steam-Pro, Steam-Master and PEACE software packages for process modelling and cost estimation. The equipment costs as well as the fuel costs have been based on the national experiences and circumstances. Important differences between PCC in China and Australia have been identified: - the limited environmental controls in existing Australian coal fired power stations requiring a retrofit to include extensive flue gas pre-treatment, - the low fuel cost in Australia as power plants are closely located to coal mines - the low capital costs in China as a result of lower local manufacturing costs. The results indicate that PCC in China can benefit significantly from more energy efficient processes, whereas for the Australian circumstances the focus should be on reduction of capital costs.