BASF’s advanced OASE blue gas treatment technology is at the heart of a new carbon capture and storage (CCS) pilot project at Taiwan Power Company’s (Taipower) Taichung Power Plant Carbon Reduction Technology Park.

BASF has entered into a licensing agreement with Carbon Cap Applications Technology Co. (CCAT) to deploy its OASE blue technology at the Taichung facility, operated by Taiwan’s largest electricity provider. The collaboration brings together CCAT’s expertise in advanced technology and engineering solutions with BASF’s well-established and efficient carbon capture technology.

The pilot project, which commenced operations at the end of 2023, is initially designed to capture 2,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) annually, aligning with Taipower’s planning requirements. The captured CO2 will be sequestered on-site at the Taichung Power Plant during this initial phase. Looking ahead, the success of this pilot will pave the way for a potential larger-scale demonstration plant with an ambitious target of capturing one million tons of CO2 per year. Future plans also include evaluating the feasibility of offshore CO2 sequestration in Taiwan’s geological formations.

OASE blue, BASF’s cutting-edge gas treatment technology, is specifically engineered for capturing CO2 from flue gas emitted by various industrial sources, including fossil fuel power plants, steam reformers, waste incinerators, cement factories, and even the maritime sector. A key advantage of OASE blue lies in its ability to achieve high CO2 capture rates of 90% and more, while maintaining cost efficiency through low energy and amine consumption, as demonstrated in rigorous testing. Furthermore, the technology boasts a flexible operating range, making it easily scalable and adaptable through modular design. Notably, OASE blue can be tailored to produce high-purity CO2 suitable for food-grade applications.

Daniel Yao, Managing Director of CCAT, emphasized the significance of this collaboration in the context of global environmental and energy transitions. “We are honored to undertake Taiwan’s first carbon capture commercial demonstration project and collaborate with BASF, utilizing its advanced OASE blue technology. This partnership aims to enhance the technical level and outcomes of environmental protection projects. It will further drive the development of both parties in the green energy sector, while also providing Taipower with more efficient solutions to promote clean emissions in the energy production process.”

The Taichung Power Plant Carbon Reduction Technology Park, the site of this crucial pilot project, is strategically located within Taipower’s existing Taichung Power Plant. Recognizing the need for cleaner energy production, Taipower is also in the process of constructing gas-fired units at the facility, further supporting the transition from coal to gas while simultaneously exploring the potential of CCS technologies to minimize air pollution emissions. This multi-pronged approach underscores Taiwan’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and embracing innovative solutions for a more sustainable energy landscape.