CSIRO is working with Delta Electricity to test post-combustion CO2 capture at a pilot plant they have built at the Munmorah Power Station on the New South Wales central coast. CO2 capture using the pilot plant began in February 2009 and the research program will continue until 2013.
CSIRO aims to provide proof of the post-combustion concept, evaluation of various CO2 absorbents, assistance in the scale up to demonstration and commercial plants, and provide the science underpinnings for future policy options for CO2 capture.
A larger demonstration of post-combustion capture is currently being planned. The Australian Coal Association and state and federal governments are part of the alliance to make this happen. The NSW Department of Industry and Investment has commenced a drilling program in NSW targeting sites identified as having geological storage potential.
It is hoped the Delta project will inform the technology selection for a large scale post-combustion capture and storage project in NSW. This demonstration project is planned for operation by 2015, capturing up to 100,000 tonnes of CO2 each year.
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