IGCC — The Best Choice for Producing Low-CO2 Power

Publisher Summary This chapter highlights the results of two comprehensive studies on CO 2 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 CO 2 emissions becomes possible solely by replacing old and low-efficient pulverized-coal-fired (PCF) power stations with advanced IGCC plants. If CO 2 emission has to be reduced by 60 or even 80 % and coal has to be used under such circumstances, an extensive separation of CO 2 from the power plant process could be of increasing importance as an option. However, any CO 2 removal measure will unavoidably and significantly reduce the station efficiency and power output. It deals with reduced CO 2 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 CO 2 emission to the atmosphere via CO shift and CO 2 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 CO 2 removal and production costs for the liquid transportation fuels around present gasoline market prices including tax.