US DOE/NETL large pilot-scale testing of advanced carbon capture technologies

The mission of the United States (U.S.) Department of Energy/National Energy Technology Laboratory (DOE/NETL) Carbon Capture Program is to develop the next generation of advanced CO2 capture concepts for the power-generation sector. The Carbon Capture Program employs a down-selection process that graduates technologies from a large portfolio of laboratory/bench-scale projects to a smaller set of small-scale pilot projects and eventually to an even smaller group of large-scale pilot projects. At every scale, computer simulation plays a significant role in guiding experimental efforts and accelerating the overall pace of technology development. This down-selection process serves to de-risk industrial investment, given that there is insufficient information generated at the laboratory/bench scale to confidently predict eventual commercial success. The Carbon Capture Program is currently engaged in efforts to advance the next generation of capture technologies to large pilot scale. Three capture technologies have been awarded Phase I projects in a competition to build large-scale pilots for advanced energy and post combustion capture systems. In addition, six capture technologies are working toward large-scale pilot testing at Technology Center Mongstad in Norway. Advances along three innovation pathways-materials, processes, and equipment-have been critical in preparing these technologies for large pilot-scale testing. This paper describes the approach that is being followed by the Carbon Capture Program to advance the technologies and provides brief descriptions of the technical innovations that have prepared individual technologies for large pilot-scale testing.