( A more economical technology for a 90 p...)Lower carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fueled power plants possible with technology development

TXU Power, a subsidiary of TXU Corp., will donate $1.8 million to the university in support of Chemical Engineering Professor Gary Rochelle and his research. The donation will cover a six-year program to improve an existing process for capturing carbon dioxide so it uses at least 10 percent less energy.

“The work we’re doing at The University of Texas at Austin will provide the technical understanding for companies to use this technology in prototype and commercial scale plants,?said Rochelle.

“With the current mix of new power plants, by the year 2030,?he said, “about two-thirds of all carbon dioxide emissions will come from existing coal-fueled power plants, so it is critical that we demonstrate technology to address these releases.?

The funds from TXU Power will be matched by funds from a dozen or more other power companies and process suppliers who will participate in the TXU Carbon Management Program. With these funds, Rochelle, holder of the Carol and Henry Groppe Professorship in Chemical Engineering, will optimize the chemical and mechanical features of a carbon capture technology that uses a liquid amine chemical.

“We are thrilled to team with a prestigious university such as UT Austin,?said Richard Wistrand, senior vice president and chief fossil officer, TXU Power. “TXU has outlined a vision to lower carbon dioxide emission rates through development of new technologies, and Dr. Rochelle’s research will undoubtedly make great strides toward this development.?

Rochelle spent the past six years developing the technology with funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Texas Advanced Technology Program. Like its commercial counterparts, his p
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Source:University of Texas at Austin