Identification of Process Integration Options for CO2 Capture in Greek Lignite-Fired Power Plant

Electricity is mostly generated from non-renewable fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal. The burning of fossil fuel releases greenhouse gases particularly CO2. An important research objective is needed to reduce the emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere by capturing it. The capture types, which can be distinguished, are pre-combustion, oxyfuel combustion, post-combustion and chemical looping combustion. Post-combustion configuration is commonly used due to its simplicity in design. Carbon capturing technologies require energy and utilities, resulting in power penalty. The energy used directly increases the load of the power plant and emission. Various studies have been conducted on energy penalty. There is a strive for reducing the energy and utilities used by integrating with the power plant. This work aims at the optimisation of the performance of fossil-fired post-combustion power plants with carbon capture technology by examining the possible options of heat/process integration, cooling and the utilisation of low-grade waste heat. The use of fans, coolers and gas polishing and capture equipment is considered. The paper will examine several possible designs of the CO2 capture module by varying the solvent and the system topology with monoethanolamine (MEA) plant as a benchmark. This paper will serve as an insight to power penalty reduction with carbon capture technology and decision factor to the industry.