In 2009, the International Energy Agency presented a reference scenario showing how the demand for fuels will develop until 2030. According to this, the energy requirements between 2007 and 2030 will increase worldwide by 40 per cent, whereby the combustion of coal in absolute figures will increase the most in comparison with other fuels. In view of this, increasing the efficiency and climate friendliness of coal-fired power plants through research takes on particular importance in order to achieve the worldwide climate protection goals.
Projects currently being funded
CO2 storage facilities
CO2 capture in oxyfuel coal-fired power plants
Higher pressure and lower flow losses in turbines
Capturing CO2 using coal gasification
CO2 scrubbing (post-combustion capture)
Hydrogen gas turbines
Higher temperatures in turbines
CO2 capture using lime or metal (looping)
Separating gases using membranes
Lignite drying
More flexibility for low-emission coal-fired power plants
International cooperation
More efficient generators thanks to nanoparticles
Micro gas turbines
Turbine combustion that produces lower amounts of harmful substances
CO2 compressors
Comparison of power plant systems
Efficiency of over 60% for the Irsching gas and steam power plant
Materials of construction for steam temperatures of over 700 °C
Storing electricity using compressed air
High-temperature heat storage systems for flexible CCGT power plants