How can gasification technology be commercialized?
Synthesis gasification technology is known; but has not yet been proven at a utility-sized facility or with Alberta's low-sulphur mid-rank coal.

Demonstration plants built in other countries have experienced high capital and operating costs (at least 1/3 higher) and issues with operating reliability.

Experience on a utility-sized (400+ MW) integrated gasification combined-cycle (IGCC) facility is needed to better understand and manage construction and operation costs in a northern climate. To develop this facility, engineering and design work is required, focused on:

• Adapting the technology to work with the type of coal found in Alberta.
• Removing emissions of concern.
• Commercial-scale geological storage of carbon dioxide.
• Cost competitiveness and cost certainty, related to both capital and operating costs.
• Construction and operation in a northern climate.

Canadian commercialization of gasification technology
Commercialization research is expected to take place over three phases with a total requirement of $33 million, following which a consortium of investors would be in a position to make a decision on building a utility-scale pilot plant.

To facilitate the timeline, Capital Power, the Alberta Energy Research Institute, and Natural Resources Canada have each agreed to commit up to $11 million to the project so it can proceed expeditiously.

Phase I Technology Selection and Project Definition
Phase II Front-End Engineering Design, 2006–2009

The development of cleaner coal-based electricity generation

1970s to 1990s: Subcritical Pulverized Coal
As typical of a vintage plant, coal is pulverized into fine powder before it burns in suspension inside a furnace.

2005: Supercritical Pulverized Coal
Genesee Phase 3 is the first supercritical generator in Canada and today’s BATEA. The technology evolved in Japan over more than 20 years.

Higher temperatures and pressures improve efficiency, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 18% compared to average Alberta coal generation.

A $90 million clean air technology suite was designed to capture 77% of sulphur dioxide, reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 70% compared to existing facilities, and capture 99.9% of particulates.