CONCEPTUAL DESIGN OF A ZERO CO2 EMISSIONS FOSSIL FUEL POWER PLANT

In this paper we examine a promising pathway involving the elimination of CO2 emissions by growing oil-containing algae which naturally absorb solar energy during the growth phase. The dry algae or algal oil can be used as a fuel in the power plant boilers or to make bio-diesel. The remaining biomass can also be used for producing thermal energy. If we use dry algae or algae oil as a fuel in the power plant boiler, then in the extreme one can envision the following process: 1. Use enough fossil fuel to produce sufficient amount of CO2 to produce as much algae oil as needed for electricity production and for algae processing. 2. Use algae oil as fuel in the boilers and grow again algae from CO2 in the flue gas. 3. Etc. (repeat from 2). Theoretically, if there is 100% capture of CO2 via algae and if there is efficient capture of solar energy in the growth of algae, we could continue production of electricity without consuming any fossil fuel (other than the initial “charge”). We present a preliminary process design for 1,000 MW plant using algae oil as fuel.