Health and environmental impact of amine based post combustion CO2 capture

A post-combustion amine based CO2 capture plant is associated with minor release of amine and amine degradation products to the atmosphere along with the treated flue gas. The possible health and environmental effect of this have been investigated extensively through the Norwegian CLIMIT-program, the CO2 Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) and the planning of a full scale capture plant at Mongstad (CCM). Based on flue gas from a combined cycle gas power plant, the capacity of TCM's amine plant and CCM are 25 000 and 1 000 000 t/yr CO2, respectively. Special attention has been given to nitrosamines and nitramines and the investigations have provided new knowledge on their formation, degradation and dispersion, going from the capture plant towards the end point in the nature. The initiatives and programmes have also included means of emission reduction as well as refining of measurements techniques. Computer models for dispersion calculation and evaluation of maximum level of components in air and drinking water are important and are part of the environmental permit for TCM. Up to now, this new knowledge has significantly reduced the risk perception for the release of amine and amine degradation products to the atmosphere.