Last year In 2010, Metso has modified its 4-MW test plant in Finland, for oxyfuel combustion, resulting in the biggest known oxyfuel combustion process based on circulating fluidized bed technology in the world.
The joint project between Metso and Fortum involved research into switching over from air combustion to oxygen combustion.
In oxyfuel combustion, the flue gas consists of almost clean water vapor and CO2, which can be captured, and adding a carbon dioxide recovery system to a biomass-fired power plant creates a carbon sink that abates climate change.
Fortum project manager Marja Englund said by altering Metso’s test equipment for oxyfuel combustion, the firm has received a lot of new information in terms of the future opportunities that the technology offers.
"The tests provide both empirical data and new information concerning the operation of the plant," Englund said.
