Development of Technologies for Carbon Recycling and Next-Generation Thermal Power Generation

As a technological development in CO₂ separation and recovery coal gasification fuel cells combined cycle power generation, which can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions from coal-fired power generation, NEDO is working on the development of technologies that contribute to improving coordination capacity and gas turbine element technology to cope with load fluctuations in CO₂ separation and recovery facilities.

Brief diagram of technology development for dealing with output fluctuations to balance supply

To support the instantaneous and continuous decline in power generation due to the massive introduction of renewable energy, NEDO is working on the development of technologies for thermal power generation that are highly mobile and improve efficiency at low loads, as well as maintenance technologies such as fault prediction and service life prediction for operations that respond to excessive load fluctuations.

Image of electricity supply and demand
(Source: Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, "Toward the Massive Introduction of Renewable Energies: 'Grid Constraint' Issues and Countermeasures")

NEDO will conduct the development of a polygeneration system for capturing CO₂ using biomass and waste as feedstock, which is characterized by the separation and recovery of CO₂ as well as the co-production of electricity and valuable resources such as chemical substances. This system will reduce CO₂ emissions and the cost of recovered CO₂ through the economic benefits of valuable resources.

Brief diagram of a polygeneration system for capturing CO₂

In order to reduce the environmental impact of coal use, NEDO will develop technologies to expand and reduce the use of combustion ash from coal and other materials. In addition, it will develop technologies to clarify the causes of natural heat generation in coal and compile knowledge on guidelines for coal management.

Short fibers for reinforcing concrete made from coal ash and magnified image of its long fibers
(Courtesy of Nippon Fiber Corporation KK)

For CO₂ separation and recovery technologies, it is important to select the appropriate technologies according to the CO₂ emission source and the CO₂ user. NEDO will conduct research and development on the practical application of solid absorption and membrane separation methods, which are expected to save energy and reduce costs, including separation material development, process studies, and demonstration tests.

CO₂ solid absorber plant
Location: Maizuru Power Station, Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc ;
Test scale: 40 t-CO2/d
(Courtesy of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd.)

In order to realize early commercialization of carbon recycling technology that effectively utilizes CO₂ as a resource, the R&D and Demonstration Base for Carbon Recycling will be established in the Osaki Power Plant of Chugoku Electric Power Co. Inc. on Osaki Kamijima, where various carbon recycling technologies will be researched and developed.

Research Building (Left) and Common Use BUilding (Right)
(Courtesy of JAPAN CARBON FRONTIER ORGANIZATION)

To promote the social implementation of carbon recycling, NEDO is exploring the development of a CO₂ supply chain through inter-industry collaboration that connects CO₂ emitters with users, aiming to reduce emissions across entire regions. In addition, NEDO conducts studies on the dissemination potential of the latest technologies in the fields of domestic and international thermal power generation and carbon recycling, as well as on trends in technological development and the identification of emerging technologies. By evaluating the feasibility of technology adoption and clarifying associated challenges, NEDO aims to accelerate the social implementation of carbon recycling.

Brief diagram of inter-industry collaboration
(Source: Compiled by NEDO based on the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry's "Carbon Recycling Roadmap")

Based on the Carbon Recycling Roadmap, NEDO will conduct research and development related to technologies for synthesizing chemicals, liquid fuels, and gaseous fuels from CO₂ and for immobilizing CO₂ into concrete, cement, carbonate, carbon, and carbides in order to reduce CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere.

Carbon Recycling
(Source: Compiled by NEDO based on the Ministry of Economy,
Trade and Industry's "Carbon Recycling Roadmap")