Coal
Overview
Coal is currently the dominant source of energy for electricity within Australia. While renewable resources will contribute an increasing proportion of our energy demand, coal is likely to remain the major energy source in the immediate future. As world supplies of oil diminish, the role of this energy source may become even more important, as coal can also become a major source of both liquid fuels and hydrogen.
All predominant forms of coal-fired power result in very large emissions of carbon dioxide. This is particularly true of brown coal, which is the only form of coal available within Victoria. Given carbon dioxide is the major contributor to the global warming problem, these emissions must be reduced if coal to remain widely used. Emissions reductions can be achieved by increasing the power plant efficiency through better energy integration or coal drying processes. Alternatively, the carbon dioxide can be separated from the power station flue gases, compressed to a liquid-like state and then stored underground at a suitable site. This is known as carbon capture and storage (CCS), although it is sometimes also referred to as geosequestration.
The separation of carbon dioxide from the flue gases is the most expensive component of the CCS process. This carbon dioxide capture is a major research focus within the Melbourne Energy Institute through the Co-operative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC) which has a major research node at the university. Research is being undertaken into the use of both solvent and membrane technologies for carbon capture.
For more information please contact A/Prof Sandra Kentish
Research Themes
Solvent Technology for CO2 Capture
CO2 Capture Demonstrations
Membrane Technology for CO2 Capture