Facts:

CS Energy’s demonstration project at Callide A power station in Biloela, in Central Queensland, is a world-first of its type. It will test the potential for low-emission electricity generation by retrofitting oxyfuel combustion technology, with a 30MW-capacity carbon capture unit, to an existing coal-fired plant.

The first stage will develop CO2 capture, and stage two will include the transport, injection and storage of captured and liquefied CO2. Results from the project will be used to inform how the technology can be applied at new power stations. The venture has identified potential storage sites to the west of Biloela, including a geological area known as the Denison Trough about 300km from the plant. It is estimated that the project could store up to 60,000 tonnes of CO2 over five years - the expected duration of the project.

The first major plant components were delivered to the site in May 2010, and work is underway on the oxygen and CO2 capture components. The demonstration is expected to start up in late 2011 and will initially run for two years.

The project is headed by CS Energy in partnership with Japan’s IHI Corporation, J-Power – which will provide project management support and expertise in low emission coal technology – and Mitsui & Co, along with Schlumberger Oilfields Australia and Xstrata Coal. It will also be supported the Australian Coal Association and the Australian and Queensland governments.

The Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate considers the Callide Oxyfuel demonstration to be a flagship project.

Financing

The total estimated cost of the project is about A$206 million. Funding is being provided by the project partners along with A$50 million from Australia’s Low Emissions Technology Demonstration Fund (LETDF), and financial support from the Australian Coal Association’s COAL 21 fund and the Queensland government.

Timing

The project contract between CS Energy and Australia’s Ministry for Resources and Energy was signed in March 2008. Power generation using the oxyfuel technology is scheduled to begin in late 2011 with CO2 geo-sequestration beginning in 2012.

More information and press releases

Link to project information

Link to project press releases

Contact

Email energyinfo@csenergy.com.au or call 0061-73222 9838

Storage:

Callide 'A' Power Station is situated about 300km from a geological area known as the Denison Trough. Extensive studies have confirmed this area as an ideal site to store carbon dioxide. Large volumes of gas have been securely trapped and stored here for millions of years. The region also has a very low level of seismic activity. The liquid carbon dioxide will be pumped deep underground through rock strata into a seam of porous rock. It will be trapped in this formation with the cap rock above it providing a natural seal.

Companies involved

Homepage:

http://www.callideoxyfuel.com/What/Calli