CO₂ in the automatic scrubber system

It is a central requirement to clearly reduce the worldwide CO₂ discharge. For this, we need to make more efficient use of energy and keep on constantly reducing emissions. E.ON faces up to this obligation.

Experts all over the world are busy analysing methods for the separation of CO₂. The methods we know today are still too expensive and inefficient. We invest in the improvement of methods and their testing. One of these developments is the so-called "post combustion capture" method, where the CO₂ is removed from the flue gas at the end of a conventional power station process. However, in particular in terms of energy efficiency, this method still offers room for improvement.

At own power station sites, E.ON is developing pilot plants using new technologies and scrubbing substances that are necessary to separate and condense the CO₂. A pilot plant will go on line shortly. From 2014 onwards, we are planning the operation of a larger and clearly improved plant in pilot operation, which is to then also supply CO₂ for subsurface storage.

Permanent subsurface storage

Amongst others, geological formations, such as former oil and gas deposits, are suitable for the long-term storage of separated CO₂. With this method, CO₂ is permanently stored in deep lying, porous rock formations. However, the implementation and further planning of this method requires a reliable legal basis that still needs to be found.