In autumn 2007, the three companies finalized their co-operation agreement, which entails the construction and operation of the pilot plant. In July 2008, the preparatory work will begin, with operations due to commence in 2009 and the end of the pilot phase scheduled for 2010.
On the basis of the findings, a decision will then be made regarding a successor demonstration plant. As part of the cooperation project, BASF will be testing newly developed technologies and solvents in order to optimize the CO2 capture technique.
Linde is responsible for engineering and the construction of the pilot plant. The goal is to reduce efficiency losses in the power plant and the costs of the process through energy-optimized scrubbing solvents supplied by BASF, and improvements in the process and plant technology provided by Linde and RWE Power.
Carbon capture in lignite-fired power plants is scheduled for commercial use by 2020. On the basis of this technology, over 90% of CO2 from a power plant’s flue gas could be removed and then fed underground for storage.
RWE Power has earmarked a budget of some E80 million for the complete development project, which includes the construction and operation of a pilot and demonstration plant.
