US-based NET Power has announced the funding and completion of major project agreements
for its 50MW demonstration power plant in Texas, which will be the world’s first natural gas
power generation system to produce no air emissions once it becomes operational.
The system will include full CO2 capture without requiring expensive carbon capture equipment.
NET Power CEO Bill Brown said: “This programme highlights the private sector’s unique ability
to develop breakthrough technologies without having to settle for anything less than compelling
economics.”
“We are extremely excited to move forward on this important power plant with the outstanding
team of Exelon, CB&I, Toshiba and 8 Rivers Capital.”
Fuelled by natural gas, the power generation system in the facility is to be built in Texas, the US.
The project will involve ongoing process engineering, plant engineering, procurement and
construction, a full testing and operations programme, and commercial product development.
Exelon, CB&I, Toshiba and 8 Rivers Capital are the other contributors for the $140m pilot
project.
While CB&I will provide engineering, procurement and construction services, Toshiba has been
appointed as the manufacturer of the novel supercritical CO2 turbines for the plant.
8 Rivers, which is the inventor of the technology, will be responsible for continued technology
development services and intellectual property, while Exelon will handle the operation and
maintenance (O&M) services at the facility.
The design activities for the project was initiated in 2010.
NET Power’s demonstration power plant is likely to be operational by 2016.
