Evaluation of Post-Combustion CO2 Capture Technologies

This paper evaluates the results of two recent studies of advanced amine-based, post-combustion CO2 capture plant designs. The first study was conducted by the IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme (IEA GHG), while the second study was conducted by Parsons for the US DOE's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL). Fluor's improved monoethanolamine (MEA) process, known as the Econamine FG Plus(SM) technology, is utilised for both studies. Cost and performance estimates for both pulverized coal and natural gas-fired combined cycle plants are summarized. Differences between the design bases and assumptions for the two studies are discussed. The Econamine FG Plus(SM) technology, as an improved process in amine-based post-combustion CO2 capture described in this paper is leading to lower increases in the cost of electricity (COE). Both the DOE/Parsons and IEA GHG studies show that the increase is now down to 42 to 43% from as high as 60 to 70% indicated from previous studies for PC plants with CO2 capture.