Energy & Power Generation Industry
Recovering CO₂ from energy generation and putting it to sustainable use
CO₂ as a Resource in Energy Generation
Power stations and energy generation plants continuously produce large quantities of CO₂. Modern recovery technologies make it possible to capture this CO₂ directly from stack gas and reuse it as a valuable raw material or sell it on the market. This not only makes energy generation more efficient, but also more sustainable – and turns an unavoidable by-product into a component of a forward-looking CO₂ circular economy.
Typical Applications
Energy & power generation industry
In the energy and power generation industry, large quantities of flue gases containing CO₂ are produced during the generation of electricity and heat. Modern CO₂ recovery systems make it possible to capture this CO₂ directly from the flue gas stream, process it and utilise it as a valuable raw material. This transforms an unavoidable emission into a marketable product – a decisive step towards decarbonisation and a circular economy.
ASCO CO₂ recovery solutions are designed for continuous operation and can be flexibly integrated into existing power plant designs – regardless of whether fossil, biogenic or mixed fuels are used.
Combined cycle power plants
Combined cycle power plants (CCPs) are characterised by high efficiency and stable operating conditions. At the same time, they produce continuous CO₂ streams with a comparatively homogeneous composition. These characteristics make CCPs particularly suitable for CO₂ recovery.
The CO₂ captured from the flue gases can be processed, liquefied and either reused internally or sold externally. Power plant operators thus tap into additional revenue streams whilst simultaneously improving their carbon footprint and meeting regulatory requirements.
Coal-fired power stations
Large quantities of CO₂ are also produced in coal-fired power stations. Despite increasing decommissioning, they continue to play a role in energy supply in many regions. CO₂ recovery offers the opportunity here to enhance the environmental performance of existing plants and significantly reduce emissions.
By capturing and utilising the CO₂, the environmental footprint of electricity generation is reduced. At the same time, the recovered CO₂ can be resold as an industrial raw material, for example to the drinks, chemical or gas industries.
Biomass
combined heat and power plants play a special role, as the CO₂ produced during combustion is of biogenic origin. If this CO₂ is captured and utilised or stored, so-called negative emissions can be achieved.
CO₂ recovery from biomass processes supports sustainable energy concepts and strengthens the position of biomass as a climate-friendly energy source. The captured CO₂ meets high purity requirements and is suitable for a wide range of industrial applications or for CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) concepts.
Process or waste incineration for power generation
In process or waste incineration plants, energy is generated from industrial residues or waste. The flue gases produced in this process contain significant amounts of CO₂, which until now have often been released into the environment without being utilised.
By integrating a CO₂ recovery plant, this CO₂ can be captured, purified and utilised economically. In addition to reducing direct emissions, there is an added benefit: waste and process combustion become active components of a sustainable CO₂ value chain.
Benefits of CO₂ Recovery in the Energy and Power Generation Industry
CO₂ recovery in the energy and power generation industry offers far more than mere emission reduction. Operators benefit from:
- a measurable improvement in their environmental footprint,
- new revenue opportunities through the sale of CO₂,
- greater future security with regard to regulatory requirements,
- as well as positioning as a sustainable energy producer.
ASCO supports power plant operators from the analysis of flue gas flows through the design of the recovery plant to integration into existing processes – for the economical and sustainable use of CO₂.
ASCO – Your Partner for Efficient CO₂ Recovery
The recovered CO₂ can be fed directly into industrial applications, used for dry ice production or processed as a raw material for chemical processes. ASCO supports companies from planning through to installation and operation of the plant to ensure maximum efficiency, process reliability and sustainability. This not only creates economic added value but also makes a measurable contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.