Power generation is fairly straight forward technically as there are a number of different syngas fired turbines currently commercially available. In the next few years we see CCS playing an important role in greenhouse gas reduction when incorporated as part of the power generation process.
UCG produces the lowest cost syngas from coal. When the syngas is used for power generation it achieves the duel benefits (over traditional coal fired generation) of lowering generation costs and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon Energy are currently evaluating Carbon Capture and Storage opportunities and we are actively seeking partners who have CCS technology or Trial
(1) Direct combustion of syngas
If UCG syngas is burned directly in a combined cycle gas turbine costs are expected to be less than both coal and gas fired power generation (for new plant). CO2 intensity is approximately 800kg/MWh which is roughly 10% less than the latest generation of coal-fired power stations (880 kg/MWh)
(2) Wellhead CO2 CCS
If the CO2 from our syngas is captured at the well head CCS is implemented, the resulting gas mix is compatible with existing syngas turbines. When this burned in a combined cycle gas turbine produces electricity at a comparable cost to conventional coal with a greenhouse load comparable to natural gas, 400kg/MWhr. This option has been analysed by Solstice.
(3) Partial Shift with CCS
If UCG Syngas is shifted to remove all carbon present as CO2 ¬and CO, greenhouse gas emission can be reduced further to less than 200 kg/MWhr.
(4) Total shift with CCS ("clean coal")
In the future, for "clean coal" technologies to be viable a new generation of turbines, and CCS technologies will need to be developed. When available these technologies UCG will be able to dramatically reduce the capital and operating cost of the "zero emission" options.