Economics of CO2 capture using the calcium cycle with a pressurized fluidized bed combustor

Flue gas CO2 capture using a Ca-based chemical looping system has been shown to be potentially more cost-effective than traditional amine-based systems in bench-scale testing. The results of these initial tests are projected, using an Excel-based economic model, to estimate the 30-year levelized cost of CO2 capture per metric ton (t) for a utility-scale power plant. An order of magnitude capital and operating estimate for a 360 MW pressurized fluidized bed combustor (PFBC) is presented, assuming a western Canadian location. Additional costs for calciners, O-2 plant, and related equipment necessary to create a Ca-based CO2 chemical capture loop are presented separately. These costs are evaluated in a series of spreadsheets, and the impact of process flows, as well as capital, operating/maintenance, and feedstock costs are determined in a sensitivity analysis. The financial results for CO2 capture are found to compare favorably with amine-based capture systems.