A study on the systematic control of CO₂ emissions from fossil‐fuel power plants in the U.S.

Abstract

The increase in atmospheric COz, which results primarily from combustion of fossil fuels for energy, could cause dramatic global climatic and environmental changes-the so-called "greenhouse effect." This study explores the technical feasibilities and the cost of controlling COP emissions from the stacks by removing, recovering, and disposing of C02 from fossil-fuel power plants in the U.S. It is estimated that up to a 10% reduction in the annual incremental atmospheric COz content would be achieved by the study control system. The total power required f o r such a control system ranges from 11 to 16% of the power-generating capacity in various regions of the U.S. Overall, the study system could essentially increase the capital inuestment of a power plant by 70 to 150%, and increase production cost of electricity by 56 to loo%, depending on the location of the plant.

Sweden After Nuclear Power

“…But in coal plants, an estimated 16 percent of a power plant's capacity would be required to operate the control system, and overall production costs would increase by 56 to 100 percent. The capital investment would range from 70 to 150 percent of the existing capital investment (Cheng and Steinberg, 1986).…”