South Korea’s national energy research institute, the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), has tested the world’s largest gas power technology that separates carbon dioxide (CO2) during combustion, reducing the need for additional capture facilities. The system also produced steam for power generation, which potentially delivers another commercial gain.
Unlike conventional gas power plants that require separate CO2 capture, KIER’s chemical looping combustion technology integrates the process. Oxygen-carrying particles supply pure oxygen to the fuel, preventing nitrogen from entering the reaction. As a result, emissions consist only of CO2 and water vapour, allowing for direct carbon capture after condensation. The process also eliminates nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) – a potent air pollutant.
KIER worked with KEPCO Research Institute to develop and test the system at a 3 MW (megawatt) pilot plant. During 300 hours of continuous operation, the technology surpassed the global benchmark of 94% CO2 separation efficiency and demonstrated a 30% reduction in carbon capture costs compared with existing methods.
©KIER. The chemical looping combustion demonstration plant developed by the research team
The trial’s success with steam is notable. While similar technologies have been tested in the EU, US, and China, they have not yet been scaled up to generate usable steam. KIER’s approach focused on optimising process design and scaling up oxygen carrier production to maintain efficiency and minimise heat loss.
Dr Ryu Ho-jung, head of CCS research at KIER, said the trial was an important step in advancing low-carbon power generation. “To achieve carbon neutrality, we need technologies like chemical looping combustion. This demonstration moves us closer to real-world application.”
KIER said that a 100 MW chemical looping combustion plant could improve efficiency by 4%, capture over 150,000 tonnes of CO2 annually, and generate estimated annual profits of 14.4bn KRW ($10.8m).
Listed among Korea’s Top 100 National R&D Achievements, the project has been recognised for its potential impact on energy innovation. KIER now plans to assess its commercial feasibility and explore scale-up options.
