This fact sheet describes oxyfuel combustion, the technology that burns fuel in almost pure oxygen. Because this makes it easier to capture carbon dioxide from flue gas, it may be possible to achieve near zero carbon dioxide emissions from the production of coal fired electricity. A diagram illustrating this process is included as well as a brief description of a new project aiming to integrate oxyfuel combustion with carbon capture and sequestration.

Educational value statement

• Explains how the process can lead to decreased carbon emissions
• Lists the advantages and disadvantages of oxyfuel production
• Outlines the Callide Oxyfuel Project being trialled in Central Queensland
• Can be downloaded as a PDF or MSWord file.

Key learning objectives

• Students describe the reversible and irreversible changes occurring during oxyfuel combustion and carbon capture
• Students explain the techniques for separating components of flue gases
• Students describe how scientific understandings, discoveries and inventions have been applied to the problem of carbon dioxide emission from power stations.

Strands

• Science Understanding: Chemical sciences
• Science as a Human Endeavour: Use and influence of science.

Australian Curriculum content statements
Science: ACSSU095 (6); ACSSU113 (7); ACSHE100 (6); ACSHE194 (10)

Sources used
http://www.centraltelegraph.com.au/story/2010/12/22/callide-oxyfuel-project-safe/

http://www.callideoxyfuel.com/What/CallideOxyfuelProject.aspx