> Pre-combustion capture

An alternative approach, pre-combustion capture, involves Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC). In this type of plant, the fuel is not burnt, but is reacted at high pressure and temperature to form a synthesis gas containing carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. This gas stream is then reacted further with water to convert the residual carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen, allowing the carbon dioxide to be captured and sent to storage. The hydrogen is burnt to produce power, leaving water vapour as the main exhaust to the atmosphere.

Schematic representation of pre-combustion CO₂ capture.

Source: Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC) in Australian

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