Progress Update of the Air Blown IGCC and Gasification Plant

From the viewpoint of energy security and global warming issues, the integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC), a highly efficient coal-based power generation system, is regarded as an effective clean coal technology that is close to commercialization. Combination of the IGCC with CO₂ capture and storage technology has been planned; this concept further attracts people looking for ways to reduce CO₂ emissions. As one of the leading company in the field of IGCC reducing CO₂ emission, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) is now in a position of actively undertaking its realization with an integration of two stage entrained bed air-blown coal gasifier, which achieves the highest net plant efficiency by using air as the gasification agent, and high temperature combustion turbines. This paper will discuss the latest activities MHI have been taking at the 250 MW IGCC demonstration plant in Nakoso, Japan and air-blown IGCC commercial plant projects using high temperature combustion turbines. As a future vision to the carbon constrained world, MHI’s perspective on upcoming technologies like higher temperature combustion turbines represented by “J”-type, 1,700°C-class will be introduced.