Power generation from coal and biomass based on integrated gasification combined cycle concept with pre-and post-combustion carbon capture methods

Gasification technology is a process in which solid fuel is partially oxidised by oxygen and steam/water to produce a combustible gas called syngas (mainly a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide). Syngas can be used either for power generation or processed to obtain various chemicals (hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, etc.). This article evaluates the possibilities of solid fuel decarbonisation by capturing carbon dioxide resulted form thermo-chemical conversion of solid fuel using gasification. Evaluation is focused on power generation technology using syngas produced by solid fuel gasification (so-called integrated gasification combined cycle - IGCC). Case studies analysed in the article are using a mixture of coal and biomass (sawdust) to produce around 400 MW electricity simultaneously with capturing about 90% of the feedstock carbon. Various carbon dioxide capture options (post-and pre-combustion) are compared with situation of no carbon capture in terms of plant configurations, energy penalty, CO₂ emissions, etc. Plant options are modelled using ChemCAD, and simulation results are used to assess the plant performances. Plant flexibility and future improvements are also discussed.