The first pilot project using chilled ammonia to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from coal-fueled power plants is expected to commence operation this week, according to an announcement today from Alstom, the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) and We Energies, a subsidiary of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (NYSE: WEC).
Alstom designed, constructed and will operate the 1.7-megawatt (MW) system that captures CO2 from We Energies’ 1,210-MW coal-fired power plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisonsin. Alstom’s process uses chilled ammonia to capture CO2 and isolates it in a highly concentrated, high-pressure form.
In laboratory testing it has demonstrated the potential to capture more than 90% of CO2 at a cost that is far less than other carbon capture technologies, the company said. Once captured, the CO2 can be used commercially or sequestered in suitable underground geologic sites.
The demonstration project will provide the opportunity to test the process on a larger scale and to evaluate its potential to remove CO2 while reducing the energy used in the process.
Gale Klappa, chairman, president and CEO of Wisconsin Energy, the parent company of We Energies, called the pilot project a "critical step" in the research and development of this process. "Developing cost-effective carbon capture technology is one of the most important environmental challenges facing the utility industry in the 21st century," said Klappa, "and it’s important that we take steps now to achieve a long-term technology solution."
EPRI will conduct an engineering and environmental performance and cost analysis during the project, which will last at least one year. Through EPRI’s collaborative research and development program, more than 30 organizations representing a large portion of the coal-fueled utilities in the United States have committed to support this project.
"We are very proud of the partnership with We Energies, Alstom and 35 other companies who worked together to advance this technology," said EPRI Senior Vice President Henry A. Courtright. "EPRI’s R&D model is built on the idea that we can best achieve technological progress through collaboration. This is especially true in carbon capture, and other generating and efficiency technologies that must be part of our industry’s climate strategy."
About ALSTOM
Alstom (http://www.alstom.com) is a leader in the world of power generation and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, and provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, gas, coal and wind. About 25% of the world’s electricity produced is generated by Alstom technology, the company says. The Pleasant Prairie facility is one of six ALSTOM pilot projects already under way in Germany, the U.S., Norway, Sweden and France. Other projects are being studied and will be announced later this year.
About We Energies
We Energies (www.we-energies.com) serves more than 11 million electric customers in Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and more than 1 million natural gas customers in Wisconsin. We Energies is the trade name of Wisconsin Electric Power Company and Wisconsin Gas LLC, the principal utility subsidiaries of Wisconsin Energy Corporation (NYSE: WEC).
About EPRI
The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) conducts research and development on technology, operations and the environment for the global electric power sector. EPRI is an independent nonprofit organization. EPRI brings together members, the institute’s scientists and engineers, along with other stakeholders to meet the challenges facing the electric sector. EPRI’s members represent more than 90% of the electricity generated in the United States, and international participation includes 40 countries. EPRI has major offices and laboratories in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn., and Lenox, Mass.
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