CCC/229 ISBN 978-92-9029-549-5

December 2013

copyright © IEA Clean Coal Centre

Abstract

In pulverised coal combustion (PCC) power plant, increasing the maximum temperature of the steam

cycle increases the electrical efficiency, which in turn lowers both coal consumption and flue gas

emissions. However, the maximum steam temperature is limited by materials that can operate at these

conditions for practical service lifetimes without failure. The EU, USA, Japan, India and China all have

material research programmes aiming for the next generation of increased steam temperatures and

efficiency, known as advanced ultra-supercritical (AUSC) or 700°C technology. This report reviews

developments and status of these major material research programmes.

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