The power plant in Hatfield was selected last year by the European Commission to be one of the six CCS projects to receive up to €180m in EU funds each, as part of the European Economic Recovery Package (EERP). The money was awarded for a coal gasification electricity plant that could be operating as early as 2014. IGCC is based on the conversion of coal into CO₂ and H₂ before combustion, in a way that impurities are extracted prior to combustion. With CO₂ capture associated with IGCC, Hatfield power station will get close to zero emissions; besides, mercury and sulphur dioxide emissions are cut and the efficiency is enhanced. CO₂ capture and storage (CCS) can be performed as for any above-the-ground IGCC coal-fired power plant.

The companies Powerfuel Power Ltd, B9 Coal Ltd and AFC Energy Plc have now signed a Letter of Intent to install up to 300 megawatts (MW) of AFC Energy’s alkaline fuel cell technology at Hatfield. Moreover, the agreement envisages the creation of a Joint Venture (JV) between B9 Coal and Powerfuel to exclusively develop low-carbon fuel cell power stations in the UK.

Alkaline fuel cells have the ability to create water, heat and electricity from the catalyst of hydrogen and oxygen for a low cost per electricity unit. AFC Energy’s alkaline fuel cells convert hydrogen to zero emissions electricity at up to 60% efficiency.  This is somewhat higher than the most efficient gas turbines, and far higher than coal turbines.

The initial Hatfield 800 MW project was based on combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) optimised for so-called syngas. The fuel cells project will come alongside the IGCC power station.

 “In the pursuit of a low carbon future, innovative ventures such as these will lie at the heart of a sustainable energy mix,” commented Alisa Murphy, Director of B9 Coal, on the new project at Hatfield plant.

Access the press release here and find more information on the technology here.