AFC Energy plc (AIM: AFC) alkaline fuel cell technology has been chosen as the key component in a game-changing carbon capture and storage (CCS) proposal. The project, based in the North East of England will provide a template for clean energy generation, putting the UK at the forefront of CCS technology.
The unique 500 megawatt (MW) proposal is being put forward by clean energy pioneers B9 Coal for the Department of Energy and Climate Change's (DECC) CCS demonstration competition. Rio Tinto Alcan's Lynemouth Plant in Northumberland has been announced as a potential site for the plant. The proposal has full support from the North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) and environmental project facilitators, Renew.
"The B9 project is revolutionary and undoubtedly world-leading. An early successful demonstration at scale of AFC Energy's remarkable fuel cell and underground gasification with CCS would open up several strategic-scale opportunities to the UK in terms of variable power generation, energy security, climate policy and UK manufacturing jobs.
As this project proposal becomes more widely noticed power generators around the world, even some governments, will start watching closely to see how the UK Government responds to this unique and huge opportunity.'" - Neil Crumpton, UK energy specialist working for the Bellona Foundation environmental group
"AFC Energy is delighted to be part of such an exciting project. It provides the UK with a genuine opportunity for enhanced energy security whilst meeting green energy demand from domestic coal reserves. Our fuel cell technology will allow the lowest possible unit cost electricity alongside hugely efficient power generation" Ian Balchin, CEO of AFC Energy commented.
The project will showcase a unique combination of keystone technologies; underground coal gasification (UCG) and AFC Energy's low cost alkaline fuels cells. UCG produces syngas which is then passed through a clean-up process, resulting in separate streams of hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Upwards of 90% of the carbon dioxide can then be captured as a by-product at no extra cost. The pure hydrogen is passed through the fuel cell, converting to electricity at 60% efficiency at a projected cost as low as 4 pence per kWh.
"At a time when the government is expressing a desire to show global leadership on CCS, we are offering a project that has the potential to become a world-leading template", explained B9 Coal Director, Alisa Murphy. "AFC Energy's fuel cell technology provides us with the first commercially viable and scalable option. The partnership enables us to supply a hugely efficient energy generation process with no environmental impact, which is incredibly exciting for the UK."
This project would mark the first large scale demonstration of alkaline fuel cell technology in a CCS project; its inclusion enables a commercially attractive solution to the green energy dilemma. The proposal illustrates the growing understanding of the fundamental role that AFC Energy's fuel cell will play in the transition to a low carbon future.
About AFC Energy
AFC Energy is the world's leading developer of low-cost alkaline fuel cells. AFC Energy's technology is focused on large-scale industrial applications and the objective of producing the lowest possible unit cost electricity. www.afcenergy.com
About B9 Coal
B9 Coal was established in 2009 with the objective of developing projects combining coal gasification with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and alkaline fuel cell technology. B9 Coal brings together major corporations to develop pioneering clean energy and carbon capture projects across the world. www.b9coal.com
About WSP Group
WSP Group plc is a global business providing management and consultancy services to the built and natural environment. WSP Group has extensive international experience in America, UK, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia gained through working in over 60 countries and currently has 200 permanent offices in 30 countries. http://www.wspgroup.com/en/WSP-Group/
About Linc Energy
Linc Energy is an innovative, forward-thinking energy company and Australia's leader in clean coal technology. Linc Energy has proven the Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) technology and has the potential to economically convert 'stranded' coal, from deep underground, into ultra-clean liquid fuels.
http://www.lincenergy.com.au/
About NEPIC
The North East of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) is a stand-alone company, limited by guarantee, which was created and is owned by its member companies to represent the companies and supply chain of the Process Industry in the region. http://www.nepic.co.uk
About Renew
Renew, the organisation tasked with the facilitation and delivery of commercial energy and environmental technology projects across North East England. They endeavour to place the region at the forefront of the UK's low carbon and sustainable energy drive. http://www.uk-cpi.com/3_pages/focus/renew/
Tags: alkaline fuel cells, clean coal, carbon capture and storage
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