Assessment of CCS for Gas-Fired Power Plants

Modern, utility-scale natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants have relatively modest CO2 emissions per megawatt-hour (compared with coal-fired plants), but their predominance in West Coast electricity markets—particularly California—places them among the WESTCARB region’s largest CO2 point sources.

To provide information on the potential for CCS application on NGCC units, WESTCARB is conducting an integrated study of CO2 capture, compression, transportation, and utilization/storage technologies for both retrofit and new-build applications. The study includes a review of CO2 capture technologies suitable for NGCC application, an examination of the proximity of California NGCC plant sites to locations with CO2-enhanced hydrocarbon recovery or saline formation storage opportunities, engineering-economic modeling of the cost and performance impacts of applying select CCS technologies at one or more NGCC plant sites, and the development of a conceptual design for a CCS pilot plant at a California NGCC or gas turbine cogeneration plant.

A WESTCARB Preliminary Assessment tabulated California NGCC plant design and operational characteristics and examined plot plans and/or satellite photos to ascertain space availability for potential addition of CO2 capture and compression equipment. Engineering-economic evaluations—currently being conducted by Shaw Power Group—will examine additional factors to better assess the suitability of existing and future California NGCC units for selected capture technologies. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory has completed a preliminary geology report on the suitability of CO2 utilization and storage options beneath or near 42 California NGCC facilities.

Participation in the study by California electric utilities will help assure “real world” relevance and facilitate engagement with key stakeholders.