Coal-fired electricity generation

1
Coal-fired electricity generation

1. Accounts for 39 of world electricity production
   the most important source of electricity in
   OECD and non-OECD.
2. Accounts for more than 50 of electricity
   generation in Australia, China, India, Australia,
   Eastern Europe and the USA.
3. Coal expected to remain the most important source
   of electricity through to 2030. Capacity will
   grow by 120 (two-thirds of this in developing
   countries) 1.3 trillion of investment.
4. Predominantly domestic good 3 traded.

2
Projected world electricity production to 2030,
by fuel source
Source World Energy Outlook 2004, IEA
3
Coal-fired electricity emissions

1. 70 of all power sector electricity and heat
   emissions.
2. 15.8 of global anthropogenic GHG emissions (22
   for electricity and heat).
3. Projected to rise 60 by 2030 with developing
   countries accounting for 90 of this growth.
4. Higher plant thermal efficiencies are the key to
   achieving lower emissions intensities.
5. CO2 emissions intensities vary significantly
   Japans is 35 lower than Indias.

4
Coal-fired electricity generation CO2 emissions
intensities by region, 2002
5
Scope for progress

1. In 2002, average thermal efficiency in the OECD
   was 36, in developing countries it was 30. In
   2030, expected to rise to 40 and 36
   respectively.
2. State-of-the-art pulverised plants have
   efficiencies as high as 47. IGCC (gasification)
   plants 50. Thermal efficiencies of up to 56 is
   believed to be possible.
3. If all regions were to achieve the same
   efficiency level of Japan emissions could be
   reduced by 17 in 2020.
4. Major barrier to reducing emissions capital
   costs.
5. Capture and storage technologies is probably 10
   years off. Major technical and cost challenges.