Coal-based hydrogen production with CO2 capture in the aspect of clean coal technologies

Abstract

Despite the predicted major role of crude oil, mainly in the transport sector, and the growing share of natural gas in power generation, as outlined in the forecast of energy use structure by 2030, coal remains the most important fuel for power generation. Being the most abundant and competitive, coal recoverable reserves could satisfy the world's energy needs in the perspective of about 180 years at the current consumption levels (Energy Information Administration, 2006). At the same time the unstable oil prices as well as stronger environmental regulations regarding greenhouse emissions make the greatest economic powers search a new, price competitive, and environment-friendly energy carrier. According to the specialists in the short- and medium-term hydrogen is likely to become this desired energy carrier.