Research support backs low emission technology development
Research and development of the technology behind Australia’s most advanced carbon capture and storage plant will be tested internationally thanks to a new partnership between the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources (NIER) and Xstrata Coal.
Two research contracts worth a total of $1.3 million will be signed today supporting projects developing low emission coal technologies.
NIER brings together the University of Newcastle’s leading energy and resources researchers in a unique facility that takes research from the laboratory to pilot scale.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, Professor Mike Calford, said the partnership with Xstrata Coal was a great example of industry and the University working together to develop effective solutions to problems.
“The University has a 40-year history of successful industry partnerships that convert research into commercial products with real world applications. This research adds to a number of University projects supported by Xstrata Coal,” Professor Calford said.
The first project, led by Emeritus Professor Terry Wall, will determine the optimum CO₂composition of coal for effective carbon capture and storage through the use of oxy-fuel technology in standard coal-fired power stations.
Collaborative research will be undertaken in Germany, home to the world’s first demonstration of the technology, and will assist the development of the Callide Oxyfuel Project – Australia’s most advanced carbon capture and storage plant.
Professor Behdad Moghtaderi’s project is advancing the development of a range of innovative chemical looping technology for the commercial-scale deployment of low emission coal technologies across the power generation and mining industries.
Chemical looping can minimise energy losses when separating CO₂during power generation, making it an invaluable tool in low emission coal technologies. This project aims to determine the underlying science and technology to support the technique in the mining sector.
“Meeting rising global energy demands in developed and developing economies will require access to a diverse mix of all energy sources including fossil fuels and commercial-scale low emission technologies,” Mick Buffier, Xstrata Coal Group Executive – Corporate Affairs and Sustainable Development, said.
“Xstrata Coal is very pleased to support this important initiative as part of our ongoing commitment to the investment in development and testing of new technology to ensure global energy security, economic growth and a necessary, and achievable, reduction in emissions from the production and use of coal.”
Photo opportunity: The contracts will be signed by Professor Calford and Mr Buffier at 3.30pm Friday 20 May, at NIER. For information contact: Leonie Brann, Media and Public Relations, on 02 4921 6856 or 0448 898 813.