Success in Long-term Continuous Operation with an Integrated Coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) Demonstration Plant

Following the construction of an integrated coal gasification combined cycle (IGCC) demonstration plant, we have performed operations test since September 2007 aiming at commercial application. Located in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture (on the premises of the Nakoso Power Station operated by Joban Joint Power Co., Ltd.), this demonstration plant has an output capacity of 250,000 kW, first attained this rated power past March. We have worked since June on issues related to long-term continuous operation. A long-term operating trial concluded successfully on September 17, demonstrating plant reliability when operating non-stop over a period of three months during summer, a season of peak power demand. This marks a major step forward to commercial deployment of the IGCC process.

While IGCC-related development efforts are also underway in the US and in Europe, they are based on the oxygen-blown approach, which uses oxygen for gasification procedure.Efforts in Japan focus on an air-blown approach, whereby air is used for gasification procedure. This approach largely eliminates the need to generate oxygen and paves the way to achieving the world’s highest net thermal efficiency. Success with long-term continuous operation, less than one year from the start of operations test last September, points to a world-leading rate of development and Japan’s great technical prowess.

On a commercial plant basis, Japan’s IGCC technology promises 20% better efficiency than a state-of-the-art conventional coal-fired power plant. This difference will make it possible to generate coal-fired power at levels of CO2 emissions on par with oil-fired power plants. The technology will conserve resources and help resolve global environmental issues, with good prospects for widespread adoption both in Japan and abroad.

IGCC Demonstration Test will continue on factors such as optimization, different coal types, and year-round operation, with a view to verifying the performance, durability, economy, and other factors required of an IGCC plant in actual commercial use.