China’s Huaneng Group plans to build a 400 MW integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) demonstration power plant during the next 15 years, according to reports in the local media.

The company plans to conduct research, development and system integration of the key technologies related to a 1000 tonnes per day pressurised coal gasification system and gas-turbine through to 2010 before developing a dry coal powder pressurised gasification system with two or three times the capacity. This phase is expected to last to 2015 before the company completes development of technologies related to large-scale coal-to-hydrogen, and gas-turbine and fuel cell power generation, coupled with carbon dioxide capture. The IGCC demonstration plant is due on line in 2010.