Lets see if we get some SP movement leading up to AGM with confirmation of JV any time between now an then
previous Ann's suggest its due
Technology Detail The world’s most efficient drying process for high moisture content feedstocks.
Environmental Clean Technologies Limited is developing a unique, zero-emission, low-cost method to dry lignite and transform this abundant, but widely unusable resource into a resource for the production of clean hydrogen, agricultural char, industrial chemicals and critical minerals.
Based on research initially conducted by CRA and the University ofMelbourne in the early 1980s, the technology – COLDry – is a patented process that changes the naturally porous form of lignite to produce a dry, dense pellet, via a process called ‘densification’.
The COLDry process offers benefits, including:
A process that has been tested and proven successful on a wide range of lignite types
A more energy-efficient process for drying lignite than conventional methods
Zero direct CO2 emissions, enabling low and zero-emission downstream applications
When applied to high-moisture content lignite and some sub-bituminous coals, the mechanically simple COLDry process produces a feedstock in the form of densified pellets that are stable, easily stored, can be transported and contain a high energy value, whilst significantly reducing CO2 emissions compared to its original form.
The Lignite Challenge
Low net energy values restrict available avenues to create value from lignite assets
High moisture drives high CO2 intensity, limiting its use
Its can spontaneously combust, restricting its use predominantly to mine-mouth applications
Balancing these disadvantages are the positive traits of lignite:
High levels of high-value material
Typically low ash and sulphur levels
High chemical reactivity, which is desirable in higher-value conversion processes, including hydrogen, char and their derivatives
What will Drive Coldry Adoption? Economic Security
Re-valuation of lignite reserves based on the pivot away from emissions-intensive power generation to low and zero-emission applications
Hydrogen market development and the shift away from hydrocarbon use for transport
Opportunity to diversify into new product streams – Coal-to-liquids (CTL), fertiliser (Urea) etc
Value-added industry and jobs, enabled by a cost-effective drying solution
Energy Security
The growing global demand for high-quality energy sources and the supply-demand imbalance means that escalation of energy pricing is our future reality
Ambitious hydrogen market development goals globally
The exit of legacy coal power generation assets and the resulting high cost of electricity network storage and support infrastructure required to underpin reliability of increased wind and solar deployment
Climate Security
Current focus on climate change has resulted in significant implications for lignite use due to the high level of CO2 emissions from historic power generation
Provides a least-cost abatement solution for markets with a carbon price
COLDry enables the deployment of affordable, reliable low and zero-emissions solutions for a range of hard-to-abate problems, such as iron and steel making, clean hydrogen production and agricultural char production
Features & Benefits
The COLDry Process offers some unique features, with the end product, in turn, having some unique attributes. In summary, these are:
The Process
Uses low-grade waste heat, lowering energy costs and reducing the CO2 footprint
Is simple & mechanical, providing high reliability and easier maintenance
Is low temperature and low pressure, reducing energy consumption and extending equipment life
Is modular, immediately deployable, and consists of prefabricated components for easier construction in remote installations
Provides enhanced power station efficiencies through reduced evaporation losses Provides ‘Class A’ quality water as a by-product
The Product
Exponentially enhanced net energy content increased up to 285% for 60% moisture Victorian Latrobe Valley Lignite
The self-ignition tendency of typical lignite is greatly reduced to that of average black coal
Gateway feedstock for higher-value applications
Unique
ECT’s Coldry technology is a scalable, cost-effective lignite drying solution that produces a storable, transportable, energy-rich solid fuel pellet ideal for the applications such as coal to liquids, gas and fertiliser.
The COLDry Pilot Plant has informed the design of the commercial-scale Coldry modules that will underpin commercial plants. Process Diagram
COLDry is a patented process that changes the naturally porous form of lignite to produce a dry, dense pellet, via a process known as ‘densification’.
The following process is applied:
Commercial Scale Design
The Coldry Pilot Plant has informed the design of the commercial-scale Coldry modules that will underpin commercial plants.
These modules have been designed to produce:
340,000 TPA of Coldry from 60% moisture coals,
440,000 TPA of Coldry from 50% moisture coals, or
600,000 TPA of Coldry from 40% moisture coals.
The COLDry Product
COLDry is a solid fuel with a net energy value similar in range to that of many black coals.
Key Features
Exponentially enhanced net energy content increased up to 285% for 60% moisture Victorian Latrobe Valley lignite
The spontaneous combustion risk of typical lignite is greatly reduced to that of normal black coals, making it safe to transport
Ideal feedstock for high-value low and zero-emission applications such as clean hydrogen production, iron and steel making (via HydrMOR process), agricultural char and associated derivatives
Stable
Testing by the University of Queensland places COLDry in the same ‘spontaneous combustion’ risk range as thermal (black) coals currently exported from Queensland and NSW. The COLDry process changes the physical structure to the point it no longer has the same ‘high-risk’ of spontaneously combusting as raw lignite.
Valuable
As a resource for clean hydrogen production, COLDry enables the net-zero emission delivery of a scalable, affordable solution.
Versatile
The product is versatile and can serve as a valuable feedstock for a range of applications.
Product Test Results
The following indicative results show the analysis before and after processing.
Intellectual Property Strategy
Our core asset is our Intellectual Property and as such must inform and leverage our Business Strategy.
Key aspects of IP protection include:
Patents – The COLDry Process is covered by patents in all major markets with significant lignite deposits and a mature legal framework
Confidentiality Agreements – Engagement with potential partners and customers is covered by comprehensive agreements
Licence Agreements – Technology Transfer is protected by detailed agreements to minimise risk and maximise compliance
Patents – COLDry
CountryPatent No / Patent Application NoStatus
Australia 2004274520 Granted
Canada 2540285 Granted
China (incl. Hong Kong) ZL200480031850.2 Granted
European Patent Office 1680637 Granted
India 265936 Granted
New Zealand 546098 Granted
USA 7992319 Granted
Note: The Company had originally applied for coverage in Brazil, but has elected to abandon that coverage due to the incompatible quality of the lignite (extremely high inorganic contamination levels).
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