KIER delivers carbon capture at source of power generation, with steam benefits

South Korea’s national energy research institute, the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), has tested the world’s largest gas power technology that separates carbon dioxide (CO2) during combustion, reducing the need for additional capture facilities. The system also produced steam for power generation, which potentially delivers another commercial gain.

Unlike conventional gas power plants that require separate CO2 capture, KIER’s chemical looping combustion technology integrates the process. Oxygen-carrying particles supply pure oxygen to the fuel, preventing nitrogen from entering the reaction. As a result, emissions consist only of CO2 and water vapour, allowing for direct carbon capture after condensation. The process also eliminates nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) – a potent air pollutant.

KIER worked with KEPCO Research Institute to develop and test the system at a 3 MW (megawatt) pilot plant. During 300 hours of continuous operation, the technology surpassed the global benchmark of 94% CO2 separation efficiency and demonstrated a 30% reduction in carbon capture costs compared with existing methods.