Clean coal technology—for the future utilization

Abstract

In recent world, demand for energy is increasing rapidly. In particular, power generation is growing fast in the most of the Asian countries. Many Asian countries are growing to be industrialized nations and high energy consumption is needed in these countries. Among the primary energies, coal has been major for a long time and still it is playing an important role at present. Electricity from coal is the most stable and lowest cost compared with other power generation, so many Asian countries are planning to install new modern power generation facilities by coal. But coal contains various components which are harmful to the environment. Sulfur, NOx, dust, mercury, and other trace elements are ones to be considered. We have already Clean Coal Technologies and we can remove these substances and emission level is fairly low. It is sometimes called as “Zero-emission coal power plant.” We can say that the emission level of up-to-date coal-fired unit is as low as natural gas power plants. Then, all we will do today is to install the facilities to the coal power stations to have a clean flue gas. But big issue today is how to treat the CO2 emission from coal power station. High efficiency is major technology for CO2 reduction. Many advanced technologies for high efficiency are already developed and commercialized. For example, concept of Ultra Super Critical Unit which has higher steam condition is already commercialized and is operated in many power stations. These units generate power stably with high efficiency. CO2 emission from these units is low. But CO2 capture, separation, and storage, CCS, are also expected to be applied commercially for power plants of large scale. This technology is promising and is developing in many countries. Although technology of CCS is already established, it will take more time for commercialization. Major items are reducing cost and power consumption. Other items for coal are severe competition with renewables and shale gas. In Europe, for example, Germany decided to increase renewables up to 80 % in the year of 2050. Shale gas is very hot now and amount of coal consumption is decreasing. This paper will summarize Clean Coal Technology (CCT) and introduce trend of high efficient coal power generations in the world. Then this paper will also explain the problems that coal is facing. They are competition between gas and renewables. Finally, advanced coal utilization technology that is involved JCOAL Road Map is explained.