CO₂ Recovery in Practice
Find out how the Landmark project in Rhodesia has successfully commissioned a CO₂ recovery plant
How the Rhodesia Project in Worksop (UK) is Making Carbon Capture Commercially Viable
The transformation of the energy supply calls for solutions that combine two seemingly conflicting requirements: reliable, flexibly controllable electricity generation and a consistent reduction in CO₂ emissions. Gas-fired power stations in particular find themselves caught between the conflicting priorities of security of supply and growing regulatory pressure.
The Rhodesia Project in Worksop, UK, shows that this conflict of objectives can be resolved. The plant demonstrates how carbon capture not only reduces emissions but can also be established as an integral part of an economically viable energy system. Instead of viewing CO₂ as an unavoidable burden, it is specifically converted here into a usable raw material.
The Initial Situation:
Flexible Energy under Increasing Pressure to Reduce CO₂ Emissions
Gas-fired power stations are a key component of modern energy systems. They balance out the volatility of renewable energies, ensure grid stability and supply electricity exactly when it is needed. At the same time, however, economic and regulatory challenges are increasing. Rising CO₂ prices, stricter emissions targets and growing demands for measurable sustainability are fundamentally changing the operating environment.
At the Worksop site, a key question therefore arose: How can the necessary flexibility in electricity generation be maintained without accepting long-term rising CO₂ costs and regulatory risks? The answer lay in the early integration of carbon capture as an integral part of the power plant concept.
FLEXPOWER PLUS®:
Carbon Capture Built in from the Outset
The plant in Worksop is a gas-fired power station with an electrical output of around 10 MW. It was developed by Landmark Power Holdings in close collaboration with Rolls-Royce mtu, ASCO Carbondioxide and other technology partners. This collaboration gave rise to FLEXPOWER PLUS® – a modular overall concept that can be adapted and applied to future projects.
Unlike traditional power plant projects, CO₂ capture was not added as an afterthought here, but was integrated into the plant layout and operations from the outset. This holistic design enables optimal coordination between energy generation, flue gas routing and CO₂ recovery. The power plant thus not only supplies flexible, reliable energy to the grid, but also generates a new, commercially viable by-product: high-purity CO₂.
CO₂ Recovery in Operation:
From Exhaust Gas to a Marketable Product
During operation, the exhaust gas from the gas engines is specifically channelled into a CO₂ recovery plant. A proven post-combustion process based on amine scrubbing is used, which is characterised by a high degree of technological maturity and industrial practicality.
The CO₂ is selectively removed from the exhaust gas stream, processed and, in further process steps, purified, dried and liquefied. ASCO is contributing its many years of experience in CO₂ processing to this project and ensures that the captured CO₂ achieves the required purity to be used in sensitive applications. In Worksop, food-grade CO₂ is produced – a crucial factor for its commercial use.
CCU Rather than CCS:
Cost-Effectiveness through Utilisation
A key element of the Rhodesia project is the deliberate choice of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) rather than storage alone. The captured CO₂ is not disposed of at great expense or stored long-term, but is instead marketed as a product.
Through long-term off-take agreements, the CO₂ is continuously supplied to industrial applications, including the food and beverage industry. This model generates predictable revenue whilst reducing dependence on volatile energy and CO₂ markets. For the plant operator, this has a dual effect: on the one hand, costs are reduced through avoided emissions charges; on the other, an additional, stable source of income is created. Carbon capture thus evolves from a purely climate protection tool into an economic lever.
Modular Architecture as a Key to Success
Another key to the project’s success is the modular design of the entire plant. Rather than relying on complex, site-specific large-scale solutions, FLEXPOWER PLUS® is based on standardised modules for energy generation and CO₂ recovery.
This architecture not only simplifies planning and construction but also allows for flexible adaptation to different site conditions. Capacities can be scaled, expansions implemented in stages, and projects completed significantly faster than with conventional large-scale plants. This modularity opens up new possibilities for the use of carbon capture, particularly for decentralised applications or industrial sites with limited space.
Transferability and Outlook
Worksop is more than just a single pilot project. The plant serves as a reference for a concept that can be applied to numerous other applications – from industrial self-generation of electricity and grid-connected power stations to ‘behind-the-meter’ solutions for energy-intensive businesses.
Based on the experience gained, the FLEXPOWER PLUS® concept is currently being further developed, including towards containerised, standardised systems. The aim is to make carbon capture even faster, simpler and more widely available – without compromising on efficiency or cost-effectiveness.
Explanatory Video: The FLEXPOWER PLUS® Concept
Advantages of a CO₂ Recovery System
cost savings
Recovering CO₂ in-house significantly reduces the need to purchase CO₂ from external sources. This leads to significant savings in operating costs, particularly in continuous or high-volume production.
Security of supply
With your own CO₂ system, you are not reliant on external supplies or subject to supply bottlenecks. You have a reliable supply at all times, which prevents production downtime and gives you greater planning certainty.
Sustainability
CO₂ capture measurably reduces your company’s emissions. This not only helps you achieve your climate targets, but also strengthens your ESG strategy and enhances your environmentally conscious image among customers and partners.
Process reliability
A continuous, reliable supply of CO₂ ensures stable production processes. This minimises fluctuations in quality and downtime caused by a lack of CO₂, thereby increasing the efficiency of your plants.
System integration
Our CO₂ recovery systems can be easily integrated into existing production processes. The technology works seamlessly with your existing processes without the need for major adjustments or interruptions.
Quick payback
Investing in a CO₂ recovery system pays for itself particularly quickly in the case of regular or high-volume operations. Thanks to the combination of cost savings, process reliability and sustainability, the system often pays for itself within a few years.
ASCO – Your Partner for the Entire CO₂ Value Chain
From CO₂ supply and dry ice production to recovery technologies: ASCO offers complete, seamlessly integrated solutions from a single source. With many years of experience, innovative technologies and a global service network, we reliably support companies on their journey towards greater efficiency, quality and sustainability. Get to know us and discover how ASCO can provide you with comprehensive support.
+41 71 466 80 80
info@ascoco2.com
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