Feasibility study Kollsnes SOFC-CC

Background
Alma Clean Power and Gasnor wanted to conduct a feasibility study to assess the effects of producing electricity from waste gas from Gasnor’s LNG plant at Kollsnes, using fuel cell modules with carbon capture. The fuel cell modules supplied by Alma Clean Power are of the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) type, which can operate with high efficiency on natural gas and with efficient carbon capture (CC). With Northern Lights’ CO₂ reception and storage facility on the neighbouring site, there is a lot of room for emission cuts. Today, the waste gas is used in gas engines.

Objective
The objective of the study was to assess the feasibility and profitability of a SOFC-CC installation. This was to be done by establishing functional requirements, scope and interface for such a development project and making early cost estimates. The effect of increased electricity production and reduced CO₂ taxes is considered revenues in the estimates, while the positive effect of heat recovery is neglected. The costs are related to procurement and construction, as well as operation and maintenance costs.

The feasibility study has included analyses of various aspects affecting the profitability and sustainability of the proposed system. The study includes the following key activities:

1. Data collection
2. Determination of requirements and limits
3. Design foundation design
4. Definition of process system and process simulations
5. Assessment of different carbon capture systems and post-treatment of CO₂
6. Preparation of system architecture and interfaces
7. Description of operation and maintenance
8. Preparation of business case

Alma has led the study, with Gasnor as an active partner.

Goal
The project goal was achieved, and the feasibility study has now been completed in collaboration with partner Gasnor. The results are very positive and show that it is possible to improve energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions with SOFC-CC technology.

The way forward
The partners will now explore alternatives and solutions in more detail.

Both fuel cell technology and relevant carbon capture technology are currently being qualified, and estimated effects and costs may be validated and/or updated based on qualification programmes made independently of this study. It will be possible to reduce uncertainty in the estimates once this has been done.

Alma Clean Power has ambitious plans for 2024, which include the demonstration of carbon capture SOFC systems. These demonstrations aim to thoroughly test and validate the functionality and efficiency of SOFC technology, and quantify capture rates and power needs with carbon capture. Through these projects, we will be able to gather valuable data and insights that will help us understand the performance of technology under practical conditions. By the end of 2024, the expected Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is 7.

Gasnor works systematically to assess measures for energy efficiency and emission reduction at its plants. The study report summarizing the work done in this feasibility study will be used and evaluated together with other measures.