Technology choice
For construction of coal-fired power stations E.ON opts for pulverised coal technology rather than the fluidized bed or coal gasification alternatives.
As yet there is no coal gasification installation at the scale E.ON Benelux seeks to build; this is a complex process and vulnerable to stoppages, even on a smaller scale. Moreover, the yield with this type of installation is lower than with pulverised coal units. However, this formula has benefits from the environmental angle. Emissions are lower than with the pulverised coal technology and it is easier to capture the CO2 (if this technology is available).
“Fluidized bed” works best when burning lower-grade coal. The yield is relatively low and the power station produces large quantities of waste.
E.ON conducts ongoing development of pulverised coal technology. A 46% yield is being build with the current steam production conditions (285 bar, 600 to 620 ºC). Looking ahead a power station with a 50% yield is already under development.
E.ON is convinced that this ultramodern pulverised coal technology is the best option under the sustainability triangle argument. High yield, high security of supply, low costs and emissions levels which amply meet legal standards.