A network which aims to stimulate worldwide collaboration and encourage practical development of Post Combustion CO₂ capture technology.

Introduction

The focus of the International Network for CO₂ Capture is on the capture of CO₂ using regenerable solvent-based scrubbing systems that have the ability to remove CO₂ from emissions, although use of membranes and solid sorbents are increasingly being considered.

Background

Pilot plant at University of Texas, Austin

Carbon dioxide capture and storage is now included in most OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries' energy policies and R&D programmes as a potential contributor to carbon dioxide mitigation strategies. Techno-economic studies have generally concluded that in any widespread deployment capture is the most expensive element of the chain.

A number of ways of achieving high levels of carbon capture have been identified with the proviso that some systems are more likely to be matched to particular power production methods. The majority of fossil fuel fired power plants produce a low pressure, low CO₂ concentration flue gas and actions to remove these are more likely to be based on some form of solvent scrubbing with separate solvent regeneration and recycle. This is called post-combustion capture.

Post-combustion capture of CO₂ by solvents such as methanolamine (MEA) is commercially available now from well-known licensors. However, such processes were not originally designed for application in large fossil fuel fired power stations. About 40% of the world's power generation is based on the use of pulverised coal which, if linked to solvent-based CO₂ capture, would present the solvent system with a range of contaminants. To use such solvents in an oxidising environment requires additives to reduce degradation.

Research & Development

The contributors have set themselves the following specific objective: 'To develop more efficient and cost effective CO₂ capture from flue gases than is currently available through demonstration of a range of solvent scrubbing and similar technologies. Over the long term it is important to achieve severe cuts in costs for the technologies developed to be competitive with other options'.

Members have concentrated on exchanging information from various research programmes on systems modelling and on pilot plant results. It is already clear that progress is being made towards developing more effective solvents. The systems modelling subgroup is working together to better define performance and costs and to identify potential process improvements.

Commercial scale demonstrations are in place based on natural gas extraction, gas fired power plant and are being planned for coal fired plant.

There is huge potential for the application of post combustion capture of CO₂ using these systems and the Network is making progress in identifying better and more affordable means of doing so.

Funding

This is a task sharing activity with participants bearing their own costs.

Meeting and Summary Reports

Summary reports from previous Network workshops are available, together with information on the next workshop.

Click here to view

Membership

Membership of this network is open to countries and industries actively engaged in practical research on CO₂ capture, or seeking ways to promote such activities.

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Network contacts

For information on Network activities contact:

John Topper, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
John Gale, General Manager, IEAGHG: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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