Welcome to About This Word, where Wordsmyth showcases commentary about relevant words in the news and media our users and staff find interesting. Today’s word: “clean coal,” written by Wordsmyth science writer Andrea Hazard.
Is It Coal?
Clean coal is not a type of coal. It is, however, a term used in the coal industry to describe a technology designed to remove pollutants, including carbon dioxide, from coal emissions. This technology is also called coal pollution mitigation. Coal pollution mitigation is important because coal contains a lot of contaminants and produces more carbon dioxide than any other fossil fuel. Fortunately, unlike other fossil fuels primarily used by consumers, power plants that integrate large-scale clean coal technology primarily use coal.
How It Works
Most coal-fired power plants use coal combustion to produce steam that turns a turbine. In these power plants, some clean coal technology reduces pollutants in the steam, including sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, particulates, and trace heavy metals. Other clean coal technology improves efficiency, which reduces carbon emissions. Therefore, increasing the temperature and pressure of steam improves efficiency.
Emission Issues
Unfortunately, high-temperature, high-pressure steam is corrosive. Modern super-alloys can better withstand corrosion, but cost more. For this reason, many plants still operate under sub-optimal conditions. Carbon capture technology can also mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, but carbon capture can reduce the power generated by as much as 42%
Some coal-fired power plants use coal to produce syngas (synthetic gas). The syngas, in turn, makes steam. This two-step process qualifies as clean coal technology. It makes controlling carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants easier. The primary component of syngas is hydrogen, which, with further purification, can power fuel cells.
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Reference
Li, F., & Fan, L. S. (2008). Clean coal conversion processes–progress and challenges. Energy & Environmental Science, 1(2), 248-267.