Inauguration of pilot CO2 capture in coal-fired power plant

On October 18, the inauguration of Europe's first industrial carbon capture pilot, based on advanced membrane separation technology at major commercial energy plants, took place.

This event, at the Sines power plant in Portugal, marks a technological breakthrough against global warming, The first results are very promising. The durability of the membranes exceeds the expectations. Even after months of testing, no degradation of the membranes can be seen, while the performance is still satisfactory. A result which has been reached after several years of intensive collaboration with the European project NanoGLOWA.

Membrane technology is an attractive alternative for chemical capture because of its high reliability, energy efficiency, and small footprint. Major industries have recognized the potential of the new selective separation material.

Ignored
NanoGLOWA, a project involving 25 partners in 14 countries, began four years ago with the goal to further advance carbon capture and storage (CCS). For years, membrane technology has been virtually ignored as far as CCS research is concerned. This is because membranes did not score well in terms of selectivity, flux, and durability. There are now two nano-structured membranes that perform well on these points.

Pilot-plants
In the course of the research project, three major energy providers decided to install pilot-plants at the coal-fired power plants of E.ON in Gelsenkirchen (DE), of EdP in Sines (PT), and IEC in Ruthenberg (IL). These efficient industrial installations are a global novelty.

Bypass
Distinctive membrane materials are separating CO2 from the flue gases and are being long-term tested on durability and separation efficiency. A bypass is constructed by subtracting flue gases directly after flue gas desulphurization. The pilot installations are tested continuously for several months. Important information will be gathered about fouling, pretreatment, energy use and extended durability, and as such the membrane and related technologies.