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Current fossil
fuel power plants burn their fuel with air, producing an exhaust stream of
carbon dioxide, water and nitrogen which is released to the atmosphere.
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Taking a clue
from nature, we are considering separating the carbon dioxide component and
pumping it back into the ground. Two
of the variations shown here use the recovered carbon dioxide to flush out
additional oil and natural gas. Two simply store it in emptied oil and gas
reservoirs or in underground saline water.
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Another
variation contemplates burning the fuel in pure oxygen to avoid the
separation from nitrogen.
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Substantial new
science and technology development is needed to prove these concepts. It is
underway and Alberta scientists and engineers are involved. These applications will require increased
energy use for separation and pumping. Some will recover additional energy.
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