The challenge
Reducing CO2 emissions from coal-fired power generation
Global warming, largely caused by increases in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, is a modern challenge. While various actions can be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the size of the problem is so large that a mix of approaches is necessary.
Coal-based electricity provides about 80 per cent of Australia's National Electricity Market (NEM) supply. The major challenge for coal-fired power generation is to reduce its CO2 emissions.
Our response
Direct Injection Carbon Engine
In collaboration with industry partners CSIRO has been developing an alternative pathway to low emissions electricity from coal and waste biomass through the Direct Injection Carbon Engine (DICE). DICE is a modified diesel engine running on a mix of coal and water. This advanced coal technology involves converting coal or biomass into a water-based slurry- a fuel called micronised refined carbon (MRC) that is directly injected into a large, specially adapted diesel engine. The fuel burns to produce intense temperature and pressure in the engine, which provides highly efficient power to turn electrical generators.
CSIRO’s research is developing processes to produce the low-mineral-matter MRC required by DICE from a range of feedstocks, including brown coal, black coal, and woody biomass. The unique test facilities allow characterisation of the injection and combustion behaviour of these MRC fuels under the intense conditions found in diesel engines. In addition, CSIRO are partnering across the supply chain to gain valuable largescale experience that will support the ongoing commercialisation of this technology.
The results
Improved energy generation and consumption and reduced GHG pollution
Benefits of this technology include increased efficiencies in electricity generation; significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions; delivery of power in a shorter timeframe and at a smaller scale than conventional coal technologies; and diverse fuel potential including black and brown coal, as well as biomass, tar, and plastics.
DICE technology is probably best described as in the demonstration to deployment phase of development. On this basis, current estimates suggest that the real program expenditure of $61.8 million will lead to:
- Total benefits (measured as cost savings in capital/operating costs, carbon emissions, in real, present value terms) of up to $532 million, depending on the assumptions made;
- A benefit cost ratio of up to 8.6:1.