Landmark CCS project moves ahead with Cansolv’s CO2 capture technology

Cansolv Technologies (USA), a subsidiary of Shell, reached a momentous milestone with the go-ahead for construction of its integrated carbon and sulphur capture system at Boundary Dam power station in Saskatchewan, Canada.

The approval for construction by the Saskatchewan provincial government puts Cansolv at the heart of one of the first commercial-scale carbon capture and storage facilities in the world. Saskatchewan Power Corporation (SaskPower) is leading the development of the Boundary Dam Integrated Carbon Capture and Storage Demonstration Project in Estevan, Saskatchewan.

The project will fully integrate and rebuild an aging lignite coal-fired unit to reach a capacity of 150 megawatts (MW), with the captured CO2 being used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) to increase production in nearby fields and the SO2 being used as a key feedstock for the local fertiliser industry.

“As the first commercial scale project to get this type of investment, this is a highly significant vote of confidence by the Saskatchewan government and SaskPower that our technology offering is solid and competitive,” said Steve Bryce, President of Cansolv. “This Cansolv first is expected to capture about one million tonnes of CO2 annually, and we are delighted to be part of Saskatchewan’s journey to a lower CO2 energy system. We look forward to participating in more programmes of this type around the world.”

“We’re pleased to be working with private sector partners like Cansolv on an innovative project that will lead to a more secure energy future and a cleaner environment,” added Robert Watson, SaskPower President and Chief Executive Officer. “This project will help determine whether we can continue to operate our three coal-fired power stations in a cost effective and environmentally sustainable manner.”

The Cansolv-patented technology is a highly flexible system that uses regenerable amines to capture CO2 and SO2. It is applicable to a broad range of industrial applications in addition to power plant flue gases. SNC-Lavalin Inc. will be in charge of the construction of the system at Boundary Dam. Construction was started immediately following government approvals, and operations are planned to commence in 2014.