CFC Pilot for CCS

Introduction

The project aims to develop an innovative decarbonisation solution by using Carbonate Fuel Cells (CFCs) to capture CO2 from dilute industrial streams. The underlying Fuel Cell technology has already been commercialised for power generation. Within the CFCPILOT4CCS project, the technology will be piloted in Rotterdam to further develop and adapt it for CO2 capture at an industrial scale. The expected CO2 capture and storage of the pilot plant could result in a relative emission avoidance of 78%, based on Innovation Fund methodology.

Objectives

The CFCPILOT4CCS project aims to:

1. Obtain data on performance and operability to improve the CFC technology and address technical issues that occur in a commercial environment.
2. Better understand the costs of installing and operating a CFC plant for carbon capture.
3. Achieve about 46,000 tonnes CO2 equivalent of greenhouse gas avoidance during its operation.

Unique Features of CFCs

CFCs are differentiated from other commercially available technologies due to their unique ability to:

• Generate electricity, hydrogen, and useful heat while capturing CO2.
• Increase the overall efficiency of the capture process.
• Provide additional value streams that reduce the effective cost of carbon capture and storage.

CFC technology is also modular, enabling more economical carbon capture at small and medium scales compared to other commercial technologies, such as amine-based capture that has been developed for larger applications.

Market Potential

Application of this technology at large scale will be enabled by:

• Increased market demand.
• Associated volume-based manufacturing cost reductions of CFC modules.

The unique features of the CFC technology increase the attractiveness of carbon capture projects and make such projects more accessible for widespread industrial application. The European Commission roadmaps towards 2030 and 2050 identified carbon capture and storage as a central low carbon technology, and wider industrial application of the CFC technology would contribute to the EU's 2050 Greenhouse Gas emission reduction objectives.

Economic Impact

When the CFC technology is technically ready for larger scale implementation, it could offer economical solutions for customers from a wide range of industries. In addition, construction of large-scale factories would generate up to 600 direct jobs, while economic activity could create two jobs in society for every new job in a manufacturing facility.