The journey toward cleaner coal-fired power generation is driven by technological improvements, more stringent regulations around greenhouse gas and other air emissions, and the potential of one of Canada’s most abundant resources.

Within this context, Capital Power is pursuing the commercialization of coal gasification, committing $11 million – and a site and staff – to the Canadian Clean Power Coalition’s front-end engineering and design of a utility-scale Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plant.

The project focuses on adapting the technology to Alberta coal; removing emissions of concern; commercial-scale geological storage of carbon dioxide; and cost competitiveness and cost certainty.

Gasification converts oxygen, heat, water and coal into synthesis gas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen). The synthetic gas is burned to create power. By converting coal into synthetic gas, and capturing and sequestering carbon dioxide, we can create electricity that’s cleaner than the best natural gas facility operating today.

The gasification process virtually eliminates smog-related air emissions such as nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide, and particulate matter. An IGCC plant could also allow for a relatively pure carbon dioxide stream for Enhanced Oil Recovery, and prove to be a continuous and affordable source of hydrogen.