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Coal Association of Canada

Technology Developments

Jul 22, 2020
Technology and innovation are helping to ensure that Canada’s coal industry remains viable and competitive both domestically and internationally.
 
Developments
 
Some of the technological developments in coal-fired electricity generation include:
 
 
Carbon Capture and Storage
 
Carbon capture, use and storage (CCUS) is a variety of integrated technologies that care capable of capturing up to 90% of CO2 emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes, preventing the CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
CO2 can be captured during pre-combustion, post combustion or oxyfuel combustion. It is then transported for safe storage or for commercial purposes, such as enhanced oil recovery (EOR).
 
Benefits:
  • Reduction in CO2 emissions
  • Ability to meet growing energy demands
  • Employment opportunities created by new plants and pipelines

Combustion Technology
 
Supercritical combustion technology involves the use of higher boiler temperatures and pressures to drive high-efficiency steam turbines more efficiently. These technologies are used together with advanced air quality control systems that drastically reduce the amount of sulphur dioxides (SO2), nitrous oxides (NOx) and mercury entering the atmosphere.
 
The most recent coal-fired generation plant built with this technology is Keephills 3 (Capital Power/TransAlta) near Edmonton, which has been in operation since September, 2011. This plant produces the same amount of electricity as some retired units, but uses 24% less coal. 
 
Benefits:
  • Reduction in fuel consumption. Using less coal is more economical, efficient and better for the environment.
  • Decreased greenhouse gas release thanks to advanced air quality control ‘scrubber’ technology.

Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle
 
An Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) power plant uses a partial combustion process that converts coal into syngas, a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which is then used to fire the combustion turbine in a combined-cycle power plant.
 
As the technology matures, IGCC has the potential to become the preferred method to generate electricity from coal.
 
Benefits:
  • Improved efficiency in power production
  • Decrease in the production of GHGs
  • Ability to scrub pollutants like sulphur and heavy metals from the fuel before it is burned
  • Can produce a concentrated carbon dioxide (CO2) stream which can make CO2 storage more economical
Carbon Capture and Storage – Coal Projects
 
 
The SaskPower Boundary Dam Project
(Estevan, Saskatchewan)
 
In the fall of 2014, Boundary Dam Power Station near Estevan, SK, became the first power station in the world to successfully use Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. Boundary Dam Unit 3 produces enough electricity to power 100,000 homes while capturing 1 million tonnes of carbon each year. 
 
 
The Swan Hills Coal Gasification Project
(Swan Hills, Alberta)
 
The Swan Hills Coal Gasification Project will turn coal into a synthetic gas to be used to generate clean electricity. The project will also capture up to 1.3 million tonnes per year of CO2 to enhance the recovery of conventional oil in the area.
 

Source: https://coal.ca/coal-resources/about-the-coal-industry/technology-developments/

July 22, 2020
Inside this issue
Fuel/Lube Truck Operator (Wolverine Mine)

To support the fueling and basic servicing needs of Conuma’s mobile equipment in a safe and timely manner.

Dispatcher (Wolverine Mine) - Tumbler Ridge, BC

The Dispatcher is responsible for maximizing system benefits and ensuring accurate data for the Wenco Fleet Management System. Responsible for ensuring reliable production data is captured and reported for production planning requirements by monitoring the overall performance of the mine fleet.

Director of Water Management Design & Construction
  • Lead design, engineering and construction on Bio Chemical Reactors/Water Management Structures and refine cost expenditure on engineering projects.
  • Lead the execution, strategy, creation, and detailed plans for construction with subject matter experts in contact water management and hydrology.
Recruiter (Wolverine Mine) - Casual Position

Safely and efficiently drive and operate rotary or top hammer drilling equipment to bore large blast holes to specified depths and positions in an open-pit mine.

Janitor (Wolverine Mine) - Casual Position

The Janitor is responsible for performing custodial duties, minor maintenance, ensure that buildings and facilities are maintained in a healthy, safe and sanitary manner, and other miscellaneous duties.

Electrician (Willow Creek Mine) - Temporary Position

Under the general direction of the Plant Maintenance Supervisor; the Electrician have to safely prepare, assemble, install, test, troubleshoot and/or repair electrical wiring, fixtures, control devices and related components in all buildings/structures and or fixed/mobile equipment.

Quality Control Manager - Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia

The Quality Control Manager will report to the Director, Marketing & Logistics and will be responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and implementing quality control activities within all operations.

Intermediate Mining Engineer - Northeast British Columbia, Canada

Reporting directly to the Chief Engineer, the Intermediate Mining Engineer, provides engineering support to the Conuma Mine operations.

Project/Exploration Geologist - Northeast British Columbia, Canada

Supervision of Conuma’s exploration field programs to support geological model development, coal resource evaluation, and projects development.

Geotechnical Engineer - Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia

Coordinate Conuma’s Geotechnical activities related to a full range of ground control engineering functions to ensure safety, and compliance to government regulations.