Integrating exhaust gas recirculation for reduced CO2 emissions from combined cycle power plants

CO2 capture from flue gases is recognised as part of the strategy for climate change mitigation. Consequently, power plants based on natural gas with CO2 capture are expected to maintain a role in the transition towards climate friendly-energy production. The latest Asme Turbo Expo conference took place in London and attracted 2500 plus turbomachinery and propulsion engineering leaders from industry, academia, and government. In this context, SINTEF Energy Research presented research results demonstrating how the efficiency and costs of a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plant with CO2 capture can be improved by adopting an innovative approach: namely hydrogen-assisted exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). By Elettra Vantaggiato MSc researcher, Luca Riboldi research scientist, Mario Ditaranto chief scientist SINTEF, Norway