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Cofiring is a direct combustion method by combining coal and biomass to produce energy. Applying this method reduces emissions during the combustion process. This will also reduce the impact of global warming causing by greenhouse gases. Moreover, the combination of coal and biomass will increase 33-37% efficiency of gas turbines. This was disclosed by the National Energy Laboratory.

The advantages of using this method are reducing carbon dioxide and sulfur oxide. Sulphur oxide can cause acid rain, haze, and ozone pollution. Meanwhile, carbon dioxide will cause global warming. Contribution of biomass in this method supports carbon neutral effects meaning that it will re-absorb of carbon dioxide by plants for photosynthesis reaction.

Gasification is a method that converts carbonaceous feedstock into gas fuels using high temperatures. Gasification process produces synthetic gases such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, and hydrogen. Gasification products flow to several stages before it is used for energy production. Heat exchanger and scrubber are used to cool and clean.

Gasification products can be converted into energy by direct combustion such as in gas turbines. Gas is burned in this equipment and produces turbine rotation. Generator is connected to convert into electrical energy. In the system of fuel cells, synthetic gas such as hydrogen and methane are used as fuel cell feedstock. Chemical processes take place in the fuel cell stack and produce electricity. Another conversion process of synthetic gas is Fischer-Tropsch, which is extracted from gas into liquid fuel. (more…)