According to Essent, it will evaluate with Shell, the feasibility of combining a gasifier, a power generation plant and equipment to capture and store CO2.
Coal and solid biomass would be gasified to produce synthesis gas which in turn is used to make hydrogen. The hydrogen would then be used to generate electricity in turbines, said the company.
The study will assess which depleted oil and gas fields would be suitable for CO2 storage. Because of the volume of CO2 involved, the study will consider both onshore and offshore fields. The companies are evaluating possible sites for the plant in the south-west part of the Netherlands.
This joint initiative is expected to supply of affordable energy for the future, as well as helping to meet government emissions targets.
Essent said that besides electricity generation, the gas produced in the installation can be added to the natural gas network. This reportedly enhances the flexibility of the Dutch energy infrastructure, which is required to further integrate sustainable energy.
Essent is an energy company in the Netherlands, supplying electricity, natural gas and heat to domestic and industrial customers. Essent is involved in the energy chain: from producing energy up to and including supplies to end-use consumers.
