The application of novel solid materials in an integrated gasification and calcium looping technology: CO2 capture and energy production

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Canada's energy resource base includes large amounts of fossil fuels. However, the recovery of these fuels and their use to generate electricity is coming under increasing scrutiny due to their environmental footprint, particularly in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), including carbon dioxide (CO2). One of the common means of capturing CO2 in industrial processes involves wet scrubbing with amine solvents. However, this causes a serious loss in thermodynamic efficiency and is unlikely to be cost-effective on a large scale. As a result, there has recently been considerable interest in dry processes for the capture of CO2. The overall objective of the proposed research is the development of a novel integrated approach to gasification, whereby gasification is combined with newly created solid sorbents to provide viable solutions for CO2 capture. The proposed solution will address major challenges that hinder transformative innovation in the area of CO2 capture. This research is a collaborative project involving academia, government and industry in pursuit of critical fundamental knowledge and application related to CO2 capture. Four research themes will address the challenges and gaps that currently exist: 1) material development, 2) thermochemical process development, 3) comprehensive CFD and process modelling, and 4) pilot-plant studies. The outcomes of this research will be the successful transfer of knowledge for the commercialization of a CO2 capture process, resulting in a major scientific breakthrough. The proposed research will benefit Canada's economy, energy and environment. The expected outcome of this work will benefit the environment through the reduction of GHGs released into atmosphere and potential impact on the legislative policies related to GHGs and a positive impact on the economy through sustainable production of hydrogen and training of highly qualified personnel for Canada's natural resources and energy sectors.