Clean coal technologies can help to reduce harmful greenhouse emissions such as these.

Researchers from the SERA Alliance partner institutions, the University of Pretoria and CSIR, have joined forces with the University of Limerick in Ireland in the submission of a proposal for the development of a process integration approach as an optimisation tool in Clean Coal Technology.

About 9 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide is emitted to the atmosphere each year from the burning of coal. It is generally accepted that increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere are the cause of global climate change. New "clean coal" technologies are attempting to address this problem.

Due to its heavy dependence on fossil fuels - particularly coal - South Africa has earned the unenviable reputation as one of the most environmental polluters in the world. Current trends in the advancement of technology for alternative energy resources suggest that dependence on coal is likely to continue well into the foreseeable future. It is, therefore, essential that coal utilization methods be optimised so as to minimise or even eliminate the adverse environmental impact associated with using coal.

The process integration approach proposed in the project has been successfully applied in various countries throughout the world - although in a much more limited manner than envisioned in this project. The project's main aim is to develop a holistic framework for emissions reduction and efficiency improvement for processes using coal as a raw material, such as power plants and petrochemical facilities. In general, these processes are directly or indirectly dominated by simultaneous heat and mass transfer.

In recent years, the Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) configuration has surfaced as the most promising clean coal technology. The researchers have, therefore, found it prudent to focus the project on this technology in the short to medium term of its commencement. With low atmospheric emissions of pollutants and water use that is lower than conventional coal combustion-based generation, IGCC power plants are more environmentally benign.. Due to their high efficiency, less coal is used per megawatt-hour of output, causing IGCC power plants to emit less CO2 to the atmosphere, thereby decreasing global warming concerns.

The proposed project is intended to develop a process integration approach for efficiency improvement in more complex systems with a focus on clean coal technology. A typical arrangement involves Conventional Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Configuration (C-IGCC-C) coupled with a contact economizer system (CES) - a combination which has not yet been explored in an integrated manner.

The project will run for an initial two-year trial period, during which at least one -preferably previously disadvantaged - South African student will be studying towards an MSc in chemical engineering at the University of Pretoria and a foreign student studying towards a PhD at the University of Limerick. Students will also spend some of their time at the CSIR facilities to conduct experiments as part of their academic development.

The primary deliverables of the project are:

• the development of a model that entails problem analysis, mathematical formulation and the development of solution procedures and techniques.
• a detailed design of the selected components of the IGCC system
• the involvement of international collaborators from Ireland with a view to foster long-term alliances for the benefit of the local researchers involved.
• an exchange programme and sharing of experiences between students and project leaders.

According to one of the project leaders - Mr. Brian North of the Materials Science and Manufacturing division of the CSIR, Prof Toshko Zhelev of Chemical Engineering Department in Chemical and Environmental Sciences Division, University of Limerick, Ireland, and Prof Thoko Majozi of the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Pretoria - the submission of the project proposal comes at an ideal time in light of the recent awarding of the first three chairs of energy research by the South African National Energy Research Institute (Saneri), a subsidiary of the Central Energy Fund (CEF). "This initiative's aim of boosting the development of South Africa's scientific research base bodes well for the future of our work in ensuring that the world's enormous resources of coal can be utilised for future generations while minimizing negative environmental impacts", says North.

For more information on the Clean Coal Technologies project, contact
Brian North on +27 12 841 4988,
Prof Toshko Zhelev on +353 6121 3474 or
Prof Thoko Majozi on +27 12 420 4130.