Global Applications of Clean Coal Technologies 2009: The Greening of Coal-Fired Energy

 Roughly half of the energy used in the United States is generated from coal-fired plants. However, these plants account for 73% of the total carbon emissions from the generation of electricity. In order to remain an attractive technology option, coal-fired utilities must improve environmental performance and economics, increase thermal efficiency and reduce emissions. Approaches available include further developments of conventional combustion systems and deployment of technologies utilizing combined cycles. Both of these fall under the popular name, “Clean Coal.” This report examines the current and potential market for these leading edge technologies and how they may change the energy industry. 

• Supercritical Pulverized Coal Combustion (PCC)
• Ultra-Supercritical Pulverized Coal Combustion (USC)
• Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion (CFBC)
• Pressurized Fluidized Bed Combustion (PFBC)
• Pressurized Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion (PCFBC)
• Integrated Gasification Combined Cycles (IGCC)
• IGCC – Fuel Cells
• Hybrid Gasification / Combustion Systems
• Carbon Capture and Storage (Sequestration) 

The Greening of Coal-Fired Energy examines these and other clean coal technologies (CCTs), describing their current status, current and likely future performance and R&D needs. For long term acceptability of coal for power generation, near-zero emissions will likely be required. Many of the conventional CCTs are technically suitable for development to give near-zero emission technologies encompassing CO2 capture for sequestration. These and separate, innovative, approaches are also reviewed in the report.