Coal-fired power generation is the process of generating electricity by burning coal. This method of power generation has been widely used for over a century, and continues to be a significant source of electricity in many countries.

Coal-fired power plants work by burning coal in a boiler to produce steam, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity. The efficiency of these plants can vary, but modern coal-fired power plants have efficiencies of around 40%.

One of the main advantages of coal-fired power generation is its relatively low cost and availability. However, burning coal also produces a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants such as particulate matter and sulfur dioxide.

Despite these challenges, advances in technology have allowed for more efficient and cleaner burning of coal, known as “clean coal” technologies. These technologies include supercritical and ultrasupercritical boilers, which operate at higher temperatures and pressures, resulting in more efficient and cleaner burning of coal. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is another technology that has been developed to reduce the emissions of coal-fired power plants by capturing and storing carbon dioxide before it is released into the atmosphere.

GRC provides technical consulting services to clients in the coal-fired power generation industry. Our team of experts can assist with:

• Assessing the feasibility of new or existing coal-fired power generation projects
• Developing strategies for managing the risks associated with coal-fired power generation
• Identifying opportunities for improving the efficiency and emissions performance of coal-fired power plants using clean coal technologies such as supercritical and ultrasupercritical boilers, and carbon capture and storage.