The new owners of a clean energy project in California say that they are ready to move forward with the development of the plant after revamping its design to improve economic viability.
SCS Energy California LLC took over the Hydrogen Energy California (HECA) project in mid-2011 and has submitted the altered plant design for regulatory review by the California Energy Commission (CEC).
The proposed HECA plant will consist of an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plant capable of producing 300 MW of electricity as well as nitrogen-based products such as fertilizers. Carbon dioxide produced by the plant will be captured and used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
The project is supported by the US Department of Energy under the USA’s Clean Coal Power Initiative (CCPI). It will not only demonstrate clean coal technology but also show how gasification projects could be used to enhance domestic oil production and displace the import of fertilisers with a high carbon footprint.
“The HECA project underscores the significance of CCUS [carbon capture, utilization and storage] – the creative combination of business drivers and environmental responsibility,” said Chuck McConnell, DOE’s Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy. “It demonstrates how carbon capture technology will help us fully develop and use our vast domestic energy resources in a sustainable way.”
SCS bought HECA from a BP-Rio Tinto joint venture. The addition of polygeneration capabilities has enhanced the economic viability of the project, says SCS.
“They have developed an innovative business model that improves the economic viability of the project,” said Michael Peevey, president of the California Public Utilities Commission. “HECA intends to ramp up the facility to produce more electricity during peak hours of need in order to maximise the energy and capacity value of the plant.”
HECA will use Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ oxygen-blown dry feed gasification technology. The feedstock of the plant will be a blend of coal and petroleum coke.
