How Exhaust Gas Recirculation Cuts the Energy Cost of CO₂ Capture in CCGT Power Plants

What is it about?

Natural gas power plants emit CO₂, and capturing it usually requires a lot of energy. Our study shows that recycling part of the exhaust gas, known as exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), raises the CO₂ concentration, making capture easier and cheaper. With the right EGR level, the capture system uses less energy, costs less per tonne of CO₂, and has almost no effect on electricity output. This makes EGR a simple and effective way to reduce emissions from gas‑fired power plants.

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Photo by famingjia inventor on Unsplash

Photo by famingjia inventor on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work is timely because it shows a practical way to cut the energy and cost of CO₂ capture in gas power plants without major equipment changes. By quantifying how an optimized EGR ratio improves CO₂ concentration and reduces steam demand, the study offers actionable guidance for making carbon capture more efficient and affordable right now.