07.02.2014|Potsdam: Underground coal gasification (UCG) allows for the development of deep-seated coal seams not economically exploitable by conventional coal mining. However, based on the principle of the borehole mining, underground coal gasification (UCG) enables their energy-related utilization.

Thus, the synthesis gas produced during the underground coal gasification process can be utilized e.g. for electricity generation in a combined cycle gas turbine power plant (CCGT ). Combined with capture and geological storage of the produced carbon dioxide (CCS ), the coupled UCG-CCGT-CCS system provides an emission- neutral alternative to conventional fossil power generation.

Economics have a significant impact on the viability of research ideas. Against this background, aim of the present study was to develop a quantification method that allows for UCG-CCGT-CCS cost effectiveness determination in any study area worldwide. Thereto, an arbitrary scalable techno-economic model was developed. This models allows for total UCG-CCGT-CCS cost determination (on electricity generation costs basis) considering site specific geological, technical, chemical, and market-related boundary conditions.

In the present study, the techno-economic model is exemplary applicated to determine costs of electricity for a selected study area in Bulgaria that sum to 72 €/MWh in total (including CCS costs). Compared to other European combined zero-emission power generation technologies (e.g. CCGT-CCS ; ZEP , 2011) with costs of electricity of up to 105 €/ MWh , the UCG-CCGT-CCS process represents a cost competitive alternative.

Nakaten, N., Schlüter, R., Azzam, R., Kempka, T. (2014): “Development of a techno-economic model for dynamic calculation of COE, energy demand and CO2 emissions of an integrated UCG-CCS process”, Energy, advance online publication 06.02.2014, doi 10.1016/j.energy.2014.01.014