Clean coal technology evaluation guide

Advanced clean coal technologies including integrated gasification combined cycles (IGCC) and advanced pressurized fluidized-bed combustion (APFBC) are attractive alternatives to conventional pulverized coal and natural gas power generation in markets where stringent emissions requirements apply or use of opportunity feedstocks exists. Operating cost for these advanced technologies may be lower than conventional alternatives due to low heat rates, co-production of valued byproducts, low volumes of waste, and fuel flexibility with low valued or waste feedstocks. To achieve market acceptance, advanced clean coal technologies must demonstrate their competitive position in performance (energy conversion and emissions), plant availability, and cost of electricity (as defined by capital investment and production cost). The US Department of Energy has developed a Clean Coal Technology (CCT) Evaluation Guide to provide a consistent basis for communication of design and operational data. Contained in this guide are the technical, economic, and environmental performance data on CCTs for advanced power generation applications, along with comparative analyses of competing technologies. Data re presented in a format to assist in the selection of power generation options for application starting in the year 2005. The approach presented in meeting the needs of a decision-maker consists of applying lessons learned in the CCTmore » programs to update technical, cost, and environmental performance data on selected CCTs in a comparative analysis with other state-of-the-art technology options. Through the use of this information, and the methods defined for comparative analysis, a decision-maker can determine appropriate strategies for industry to promote market acceptance of CCTs. The initial slate of CCTs under consideration includes integrated gasified combined cycle and pressurized fluidized-bed combustion, with comparisons to conventional pulverized coal and natural gas combined cycle technologies.« less