Curtin University of Technology and Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers Pty Ltd (PCF) have signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on coal gasification research and development.
The five-year agreement gives PCF access to expertise and facilities at the Curtin Centre for Advanced Energy Science and Engineering, led by Professors Chun-Zhu Li and Hongwei Wu.
PCF is developing a US$2.7billion manufacturing plant in Collie, Western Australia, using innovative clean coal gasification technology to transform sub-bituminous coal into urea, which can be used for fertilizer.
Curtin’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Development, Professor Linda Kristjanson, said the agreement would help to further strengthen the coal gasification technical expertise in WA.
“The Curtin Centre for Advanced Energy Science and Engineering has some of the leading expertise in coal and biomass gasification in the world,” she said.
“This team also has seven years of experience working with Collie coal, which will be invaluable as Perdaman builds its operations.”
PCF Chairman and Managing Director, Vikas Rambal, hoped the agreement would be the beginning of a long-term relationship aimed at developing gasification technology and providing an opportunity for students to put theory into practice at a world class gasification facility.
“We are using proven gasification technology to develop coal into urea and view the relationship with Curtin as a way to share our skills and expertise in that area,” he said.
“We recognise the importance of linking the expertise offered by Curtin with the practical knowledge provided by PCF.
“This agreement is mutually beneficial for both parties and provides clear benefits for local industry.”
The Curtin Centre for Advanced Energy Science and Engineering is a new Curtin research centre which has more than 30 researchers and an array of advanced facilities and analytical instruments. The Centre aims to be a centre of excellence in the field of energy science and engineering in the world.
Perdaman Chemicals and Fertilisers Pty Ltd is a part of Perdaman Industries.
