Economics of CO2 capture from a coal-fired power plant -: A sensitivity analysis

The focus of this paper is on the economics of the capture of CO2 from an existing pulverized coal-fired power plant. Two configurations are considered: (1) CO2 capture from the flue gas using an amine-based absorption process and (2) O-2/CO2 recycle combustion. At GHGT-5, we presented results pertaining to the integration and heat management of the CO2 Capture processes into the overall plant. In this paper we present a sensitivity analysis on the cost of CO2 captured ($/tonne of CO2 avoided). In particular, we look at the effect of improvement in solvent performance and oxygen separation Cost (O-2/CO2 recycle case) on the overall cost of capturing CO2. The sensitivity analysis provides the economic benefits from possible cost reductions in the two CO2 capture technologies covered here. Preliminary results indicate that the O-2/CO2 recycle combustion process offers greater potential savings over the use of amine scrubbing.