14 DAY TRIAL // Coal-fired power plants are currently blamed worldwide for their contribution in accelerating climate change, qualified as worst polluters in EPA reports, because of their enormous amount of harmful emissions generated annually.
A new green technology developed, tested and improved by MP BioMass plans to change this fact, by actually turning CO2 emissions into a valuable source of electricity for the grid. The new breakthrough highlights the partnership between AST and CNR with Gima Construction.
Inspired by artificial photosynthesis, the new technique entitled nano-membrane pyro-gasification process is expected to gather carbon dioxide from flue gases, collect oxygen and obtain methanol and electricity, as final products.
So far, tests results have indicated that a single ton of carbon dioxide collected through this method can deliver up to 551 gallons of methanol, enough to please the developers of this system and make them call their technique truly revolutionary.
Coal-burning plants also generate impressive amount of fly ash, blamed for the toxic elements hidden in its structure, like arsenic, mercury, dioxins and vanadium. It is often sent to landfills or used in the construction sector, but its disposal is still considered problematic.
The innovative system also takes care of this problem, by exploiting up 14% of carbon residue coming from fly ash and turning it into a viable source of power. Second, the process makes fly ash more eco-friendly, by eliminating all hazardous compounds.
Last, but not least, apart from generating clean power, this path is also used to turn waste into cash, since metal deposits with a considerable financial value are being extracted and further used.
Even though it might sound too good to be true, the technique is already showing promising results, since the developers have 10 power plants developed to turn CO2 and fly ash into actual money and energy.
Since it is considered beneficial both for the environment and for business, the company plans to green up 'Paul Smith's College Project' in New York, by building and operating a 10MW plant.
Saudi Arabia is another hot spot taken into consideration by MP Biomass to construct a 2GW factory within the next three years.