Abstract
This paper is a documentary study on CO2 capture by post-combustion technology, considered as the most important greenhouse gas. Romania’s integration into the European Economic Community and harmonization with energy policy have led to increased market competition, while enhancing technical and economic competitiveness, operational safety and environmental protection for the energy sector.
CO2 Post-combustion capture is the most advanced technology that can be easily adapted to the large capacities installed in the thermoelectric power plants. The principle of the method consists in the chemical absorption of CO2 from the flue gas using a solvent (amine or cooled ammonia) with an approximately 95% efficiency.
However, this technology has a disadvantage, consisting in the steam consumption required for the chemical solvent regeneration , resulting in 15-20% energy penalties, and the overall energy efficiency of the thermoelectric power plants as well. At the same time, the economic indicators are also influenced by the integration of the CO2 absorption process, which ultimately translates into an increase in the cost of electricity production. The main objective of the paper consists in the operational and investments costs estimation of a power plant with CO2 post-combustion capture process.