Previously the power companies have revealed that they have formed equal joint venture, CoolGen, to begin trials of oxygen-blown integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) technology by 2017. The companies claim that compared to the conventional coal-burning methods, it would emit 10% less carbon dioxide.
Expected to commence in 2021, the second phase of the project would test carbon separation and recovery methods. These methods would be combined with the IGCC process in order to bring down the carbon emissions from the plant to zero.
The IGCC technology, while removing particulate matter, such as mercury and sulphur, converts coal into synthetic gas. The combined cycle system is fueled with the synthetic gas, where it powers a turbine generator before the waste heat is captured to power the second steam turbine. The technology supporters argue that, compared with conventional coal-burning plants, this technology would be able to reduce the carbon emission.
CoolGen test facility is expected to be constructed on the site of Chugoku’s power plant in Hiroshima prefecture, which combines coal-fired gas turbine generating equipment and steam generating apparatus. The power produced from the CoolGen facility would be purchased by Chugoku.
Electric Power Development has researched and developed the CoolGen’s technology, which differs from air-blown IGCC methods being tested by other Japanese utilities.
Electric Power Development engages in the construction and testing of a large-scale demonstration test facility for oxygen-blown integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) and coal separation and recovery technology. Chugoku Electric Power engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power.
