Power generation is the single largest contributor to CO2 emissions worldwide, contributing to almost 30% of total emissions (about 10 billion tons of annual CO2 emissions), with coal-based power plants emitting the dominant portion.
It has been estimated that a 1% energy efficiency increase in the thermal power plants globally could translate to over 100 million tons of CO2 emissions savings.
While thermal power generation is indeed an old technology, innovations are possible in both technology and processes to enhance the overall efficiency of these power plants.
The decarbonization potential for such innovations is plain to see.