Best option for CO{sub 2} reduction in fossil-fired power stations

If CO{sub 2} emissions have to be reduced by 60 or even 80% by the middle of next century and energy supply still has to rely on coal, CO{sub 2} removal has to be considered as an option. Conceivable methods to remove CO{sub 2} from fossil fired power plants are removal from flue gas, combustion in O{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} or removal from a fuel gas after CO shift. If coal is to be used, the IGCC (Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle) power plant with CO shift conversion and physical washing and the IGCC with O{sub 2}/CO{sub 2} firing were found to be the most appropriate options with respect to energy efficiency and economy. However, only the IGCC with CO shift and CO{sub 2} wash could be constructed on the basis of today's technology. Based on a Siemens Model V94.3A gas turbine-generator and proven process engineering components, the overall efficiency only decreases by acceptable 6% points with the need of an approximately 20% higher investment. In this case, the CO{sub 2} stream is of highest purity and therefore suited for both disposal or reuse in chemical processes. The largest potential for reuse of CO{sub 2} for chemical products is the productionmore » of methanol as a substitute of oil-based transport fuels. The projected integration of such a methanol synthesis in an IGCC is also briefly addressed.« less