20080229-IEA-Clean_Coal_Technologies_54页_940kb

Summary of the IEA Report: Clean Coal Technologies - Accelerating Commercial and Policy Drivers for Deployment

Core Content

The International Energy Agency (IEA) report titled "Clean Coal Technologies: Accelerating Commercial and Policy Drivers for Deployment" outlines the role of clean coal technologies (CCTs) in reducing the environmental impact of coal use while maintaining its importance in global energy supply. The report is authored by the IEA Coal Industry Advisory Board (CIAB) and provides industry recommendations on how to accelerate the development and deployment of CCTs, particularly carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS), to address climate change and support sustainable energy growth.

Main Points

1. The Role and Future of Coal

• Abundance and Distribution: Coal remains the most abundant and widely distributed fossil fuel.
• Energy Demand Growth: Coal is expected to be a major energy source for the coming decades, with demand projected to increase significantly in both developed and developing countries.
• Economic and Environmental Trade-offs: While coal is a carbon-intensive fuel, it is essential for energy security and economic development, especially in developing countries.
• Global Projections: By 2050, coal could account for 28% of the world's primary energy supply, up from 25% today.

2. Clean Coal Technologies (CCTs)

• Types of CCTs:
  • Coal Upgrading: Includes efficiency improvements at existing power plants and advanced technologies.
  • Near-zero Emission Technologies: Such as CCS.
• CCS as a Key Technology: CCS is highlighted as a critical technology for reducing CO₂ emissions from coal use and is considered a fifth category of CCTs.
• Potential Impact: The deployment of CCTs, especially CCS, is essential to meet global GHG reduction targets. The report suggests that without CCTs, the Stern Review and IPCC emission reduction goals may not be achievable.

3. Policy and Commercial Drivers

The CIAB identifies several policy and commercial drivers that can support the development and deployment of CCTs:

• Legal and Regulatory Frameworks: A clear, balanced legal framework for CO₂ transport and storage is essential.
• Public Acceptance: Promoting public understanding and acceptance of CCS is necessary for its widespread adoption.
• Funding and Incentives:
  • Establish tax incentives and loan guarantees for CCS research, development, and deployment.
  • Support commercial applications of CO₂ for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and enhanced coalbed methane production.
  • Promote commercial opportunities in transport fuel and chemical production from coal.
• Market-Based Mechanisms: Encourage cap-and-trade systems and mandatory feed-in tariffs based on avoided emissions.
• International Cooperation: Support emerging economies in CCS development and deployment to ensure global emission reductions.

4. Need for CCS Demonstration and Deployment

• Demonstration Projects: The report stresses the importance of demonstration projects to prove the potential of CCS.
• Industry Growth: For CCS to have a significant impact, it must grow to an industry of equivalent size to the natural gas industry by 2050.
• Cost Reduction: Attractive returns on investment are needed to encourage adoption of a currently costly technology.

5. Role of the IEA

• Policy Advice: The IEA is positioned to provide policy advice and implementation support for CCTs and CCS.
• Recommendations:
  • Include CCS in the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism to create demand in developing economies.
  • Use energy technology implementing agreements and cooperative agreements with non-member countries to promote the adoption of CCTs.

Key Information

• CO₂ Emissions: The report notes that CO₂ emissions could be reduced by 32 GtCO₂ by 2050 with the accelerated deployment of low-carbon technologies.
• CCS Contribution: CCS accounts for 20% of this reduction, with half coming from coal-fired power plants.
• Environmental Policies: Strong environmental policies may reduce coal use, but its abundance and cost-effectiveness ensure its continued use.
• Global Trends: Asia-Pacific is the main driver of coal consumption growth, with China and India leading the increase.
• Economic Context: Economic growth in developing countries is primarily powered by coal, which supports industrial and infrastructural development.

Conclusion

The report underscores the necessity of CCTs, especially CCS, to reconcile coal's role in energy supply with climate change mitigation goals. It calls for strong policy support, international collaboration, and market incentives to accelerate the development and deployment of these technologies. The IEA is urged to take a leading role in promoting these measures to ensure a clean, clever, and competitive energy future.