Clean coal technologies: A global to local review for Turkey

Coal is the primary energy source for electricity generation around the globe and it is projected that this dominance will continue for at least a few more decades. However, coal combustion for power generation generates significant greenhouse gas emissions as well as NOx/SOx and particulates emissions. Therefore, future consumption of coal for electricity generation must be cleaner and efficient. This can be achieved by utilizing different processes and technologies also known as clean coal technologies. In this study, global development in clean coal technologies is scrutinized and an up to date review about the subject is prepared. In addition, potential utilization of clean coal technologies in Turkey is assessed based on the government's recent energy policy decision of increasing lignite based installed capacity from nearly 10,000MW to 30,000 MW. As a result, an up to date review about the past, present and future of clean coal technologies in Turkey is prepared. Detailed analysis showed that research & development studies on clean coal technologies are at early stages in Turkey. This means that there won't be enough time to locally develop clean coal technologies while fulfilling the Vision 2023 lignite based installed capacity target in the next 5-6 years. As a result, it is suggested that Turkey should first purchase clean coal technologies from developed countries with know-how and technology transfer clauses in order to increase lignite-fired coal power plant capacity without skyrocketing Turkey's greenhouse gas emissions. In the meantime, local research & development studies must be fostered in order to develop indigenous clean coal technologies. Finally, it is believed that the discussion in this study could help the researchers around the globe broaden their knowledge about clean coal technologies and help the authorities in Turkey to design the country's coal based energy future in a more sustainable manner.