Coal Energy Conversion with Aquifer-Based Carbon Sequestration: An Approach to Electric Power Generation with Zero Matter Release to the Atmosphere

Introduction The goal of this project is to provide fundamental information needed to develop a novel coal-based electrical power generation process that includes capturing and storing CO2 in inherently stable forms. The process involves the conversion of the chemical energy in coal to thermal energy and electricity with permanent storage of conversion products in saline aquifers. The process produces no NOx, SOx, particulate matter, mercury, greenhouse gas, or any other air emissions. Carbon dioxide-laden water and fly ash/saline solid residues are the only process effluents. Such a system eliminates the need for costly gas cleanup equipment as well as reduces the costs associated with years of monitoring stack-gas emissions. In addition, it provides a carbon dioxide sequestration option that may be more acceptable to the public because it is easy to understand and is potentially a walk-away approach to sequestration.