The opening marked the next step towards developing new, cleaner energy technology. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) from fossil fuelled power stations is one of the most important means to reduce harmful emissions.
The capture test plant is an exact, small-scale replica of a full carbon capture plant, which will verify process improvements and reduce technical and commercial risk in large scale plants. The unit was transported to Longannet (pictured) from Risavika outside Stavanger, where it was first autumn of 2009.
Speaking at Longannet as the test unit was switched on, Nick Horler, chief executive of ScottishPower, said: "This is the first time that CCS technology has been switched on and working at an operational coal-fired power station in the UK, and is a major step forward in delivering the reality of carbon-free fossil fuel electricity generation. It‘s about taking the concept of CCS out of the lab and making it a full-scale commercial reality and that‘s crucial if we hope to achieve tough carbon reduction targets."
The event received widespread international media attention. See some of the coverage on the following links:
Aker Clean Carbon’s mobile test unit was constructed by Aker Solutions, based on Aker Clean Carbon’s advanced capture technology. The technology is defined as “post combustion” and can be retrofitted to existing power stations. The capture process uses a solvent (typically a chemical solution called an amine) that removes CO2 from flue gas efficiently. The unit is designed to handle various types of flue gases and amines and has been in operation since September 2008.
Early results from tests at the Risavika Gas Centre show a capture rate above 85 per cent. At the same time improved solvents (amines) have successfully demonstrated lower energy requirements and less degradation.
ScottishPower and Aker Clean Carbon are now starting a seven-month test period at Longannet. The aim is to verify process improvements in an industrial environment. Tests in the laboratories have indicated considerable energy savings and very low degradation of the solvents to be used.
"Demonstrating that our carbon capture technology works on a coal-fired power station of Longannet’s size is the next step towards full-scale facilities. We are looking forward to working with ScottishPower to reach that goal," says Jan Roger Bjerkestrand, CEO of Aker Clean Carbon.
Two different solvent mixtures will be tested during the test period as part of Aker Clean Carbon’s SOLVit R&D programme. The aim of the programme is to develop, demonstrate and commercialise improved capture solvents. Read more about the SOLVit programme here
The Longannet Power Station is located in Scotland, close to Edinburgh, and has a net annual output of 2304 MW of electricity. It is the second largest power station in the UK and the third biggest in Europe.
The mobile test facilities comprises three main units; a flue gas pre-treatment unit where most of the impurities are removed, an amine process unit in which the CO2 is removed from the flue gas and a re-claimer unit to recover degradation products.
First published: 28.05.2009