Taiwan inaugurated the world’s largest carbon capture plant employing calcium looping process technology June 10, according to Bureau of Energy under the ROC Ministry of Economic Affairs.
“The plant represents a significant step forward for Taiwan in the development of carbon capture and storage, or CCS, technology,” BOE Director-General Jerry Ou said. “It also symbolizes the government’s commitment to tackling climate change and helps Taiwan pull its weight in reducing global emissions.”
Situated in Sioulin Township, Hualien County—a major cement production hub for Taiwan, the plant was built in collaboration with Taiwan Cement Corp. and is the first of its kind in Asia. At present, it can capture 1 metric ton of carbon dioxide per hour, a figure that may be increased with technology upgrades going forward.
Using calcium carbonate—a raw material utilized in the production of cement—as the absorbing agent, the technology can capture 90 percent of CO2 produced during the cement manufacturing process and requires less than 20 percent additional energy compared to 30 percent by other technologies.
Ou said Taiwan needs to seriously address the issue of greenhouse emissions. “In 2010, the country’s per capita and total CO2 emissions ranked 19th and 20th in the world, respectively.
“The plant is part of state efforts since 2006 to develop CCS technologies,” he said, adding that the government is also working on similar R&D Projects with state-run China Steel Corp., CPC Corp. and Taiwan Power Co.
Alex Tong, vice president of state-run Industrial Technology Research Institute, said the ITRI-developed technology can also slash per ton processing costs from US$50 to US$26. “No additional waste will be produced, and the cleaner and higher quality CO2 can be used for other industrial purposes.”
TCC Chairman Leslie Koo views the facility as a winning model for all parties involved. “We hope this innovative example will inspire more firms to follow suit and contribute to environmental conservation.”
The latest ITRI estimates peg CCS technologies to assist Taiwan reduce national carbon emissions by 4.9 million and 36.7 million tons by 2020 and 2025, respectively. At a cost of US$30 per ton, this will create economic benefits worth billions of New Taiwan dollars for local sectors. (JSM)
Write to Meg Chang at sfchang@mofa.gov.tw