The Global Market for Clean Coal Technology 2009: The Greening of Coal-Fired Energy

Abstract

In order to remain an attractive technology option, coal-fired power generation needs to improve further its environmental performance and economics, increase its thermal efficiency and reduce emissions. Approaches available include further developments of conventional combustion systems and deployment of technologies utilizing combined cycles.

The more familiar Clean Coal Technologies (CCTs) available include:

• Supercritical pulverized coal combustion (PCC)
• Circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC)
• Pressurized fluidized bed combustion (PFBC)
• Pressurized circulating fluidized bed combustion (PCFBC)
• Integrated gasification combined cycles (IGCC)
• IGCC-fuel cells
• Hybrid gasification/combustion systems

In the report, these and other CCTs are reviewed from the point of view of their current status, current and likely future performance and R&D needs. For long term acceptability of coal for power generation, near-zero emissions are likely to be required. Many of the conventional CCTs are technically suitable for development to give near-zero emission technologies encompassing CO2 capture for sequestration. These and separate, innovative, approaches are also reviewed in the report. The report also discusses the topic of CO2 storage or utilizations.

PCC is currently the most widely adopted system for coal-fired power generation and the use of supercritical conditions has become the norm for new installations in industrialized countries. Circulating fluidized bed combustion is just reaching scales suitable for economic use of supercritical conditions. In the short to medium term, reducing capital costs and improving efficiency and environmental performance will aid further deployment of supercritical PCC and CFBC through continuing evolutionary improvements in steam conditions and environmental control systems.

PFBC has been deployed at commercial scale, although the number of installations is still small and it appears to be destined to become a niche technology. Coal-fired IGCC demonstrations at commercial scale have been operated in the USA and Europe, with thermal efficiencies of up to 45%, but commercial orders for plants have not yet been forthcoming. Further R&D and commercial-scale demonstrations are needed to encourage commercialization of the technology by improving reliability and availability and reducing costs. Materials developments will be important. IGCC plants are capable of levels of emissions of SO2 and particulates that are much better than current requirements and emissions of NOx are also low. The technology can offer further increases in efficiency through advances in gas turbine technology (higher pressure ratios, higher turbine entry temperatures, reheat) and the further development of hot gas cleaning processes for the gas leaving the gasifier.

The above technologies are expected to have an important role to play in satisfying the need for clean power generation in the medium term, and their high efficiencies will result in up to 30% savings in CO2 emissions.

Report Methodology

The information in Clean Coal Energy Technologies is based on primary and secondary research. Primary research entailed in-depth, on-site examinations of coal fired power plants and interviews with companies, engineers and scientist to obtain information on clean coal technology trends, marketing programs, likely adoption methods and technological breakthroughs. Secondary research entailed data gathering from relevant sources, including energy and industry publications, newspapers, government reports, company literature and corporate annual reports. Energy production data are based on data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Information Resources, Inc. and other trade sources. Consumer demographics are derived from Simmons Market Research Bureau data.

Key Report Deliverables

Clean Coal Energy Technologies makes important predictions and recommendations regarding the future of this market, and pinpoints ways current and prospective players can capitalize on current trends and spearhead new ones. No other market research report provides both the comprehensive analysis and extensive data that Clean Coal Energy Technologies offers. Plus, you' ll benefit from extensive data, presented in easy-to-read and practical charts, tables and graphs.

• In-depth description of major types of clean coal technology currently in use or development, including PCC, USC, CFBC, PFBC, PCFBC, IGCC, IGCC- Fuel Cells, hybrid systems, and CCS,
• Discussion of technology life cycles and the relative strengths and weaknesses of each,
• Key trends and issues,
• Current (2009) market size and forecast of market size through 2014,
• Review of drivers and influencers of demand and assessment of their impact on future demand,
• Marketplace acceptance of alternative energy,
• Legal and regulatory requirements,
• In-depth profiles of leading participants within the industry including background, product portfolio, financial performance, M & A activity, technology development, strategic direction and key personnel changes.

• Marketing managers - to identify market opportunities and develop targeted promotion plans for green coal-fired energy technologies.
• Research and development professionals - to stay on top of competitor initiatives and explore demand for clean coal technologies.
• Advertising agencies - working with clients in energy, banking, infrastructure, and local and state governments, to develop messages and images that compel
• consumers and businesses to use clean coal technology.
• Venture capitalists and business development executives - to understand the dynamics of the market and identify possible investment opportunities.
• Information and research center librarians - to provide market researchers, brand and product managers and other colleagues with accurate and timely information they need to do their jobs more effectively.

If your company is already doing business in the clean coal market, or is considering making the leap, you will find this report invaluable, as it provides a comprehensive package of information and insight not offered in any other single source. You will gain a thorough understanding of the current market for clean coal energy technologies, as well as projected markets and trends through 2012.

The report is over 200 pages and includes over 50 tables and charts.