Sulzer ‘s mass transfer equipment has played a crucial role in capturing substantial amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the SaskPower coal-fired Boundary Dam Power Station in Canada. This technology effectively separates CO2 from other flue gasses, significantly reducing the plant’s overall carbon footprint.
The captured CO2 is used to enhance oil recovery (EOR) in nearby oil fields, promoting a more circular economy. Any remaining CO2 is permanently stored underground.
As the world’s first large-scale carbon capture project at a coal-fired power plant, the facility chose Sulzer’s mass transfer components due to the company’s extensive experience in CO2 capture.
Before implementing carbon capture, the power plant emitted approximately 1.3 million tons of CO2 annually.
However, with the new technology, it has reduced its emissions significantly while continuing to supply electricity to around 100,000 Canadian homes.
Starting in 2025, the Boundary Dam power plant will rely on Sulzer’s innovative MellapakCC™ and MellaTech technologies, designed to maximize CO2 capture efficiency while minimizing pressure drop. This translates to lower energy consumption and improved overall plant performance.
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According to the press release, a 10 mbar reduction in pressure drop can save a 115 MW coal-fired power station nearly CAD$ 500,000 annually, given the local electricity cost of approximately 20 Canadian cents per kWh.
Sulzer‘s Executive Chairwoman Suzanne Thoma emphasized the importance of these solutions in addressing the global challenge of reducing emissions while meeting energy demands.
“As governments, industry and local communities around the world strive to reduce emissions, they are still challenged to meet the energy demands of their communities. Our solutions serve to bridge these competing requirements by reducing emissions, enabling recycling and circularity, and improving operational efficiency,” Thoma said.
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