BASF and U.S. research institute RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina/USA, are joining forces to develop a new, exceptionally cost-effective technology to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) from waste gases emitted by coal-fired power plants and other industrial sources. The development project is sponsored by a two million dollar cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The award is part of the DOE's stimulus-funded initiative focusing on energy-related research projects.

Efficient solvents are essential for the CO2-capture. The two partners will work on novel non-aqueous solvent systems that can be recycled. The capture process could use 40 percent less energy than conventional amine-based processes. Coal-fired power plants produce 50 percent of the electricity generated in the United States and contribute about 36 percent of all the carbon dioxide emissions in that region or 1.4 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually.

"This new process for capturing carbon dioxide would keep the United States at the forefront of advanced energy and greenhouse gas control technologies," said Dave Myers, vice president of the Engineering and Technology Unit at RTI. "Working with BASF, a global leader for gas treatment technologies, will also provide a path for rapid commercialization of the technology so that we can have cost-competitive clean energy production from coal-fired power plants."

"Coupling RTI's engineering and research capabilities with BASF's gas treatment's technical and commercial know-how, will provide the right synergies to develop a highly effective new technology for the industrial carbon capture", said Todd Spengemann, Business Manager, Americas Gas Treatment Solutions within BASF's intermediates division.

BASF is one of the world's most successful suppliers of gas treatment technology. Around the globe, some 200 ammonia, natural gas, syngas and liquefied petroleum gas facilities use BASF processes and products for gas sweetening, i.e. to remove acid gases like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and CO2. The company sells these technologies under the aMDEA brand, which is short for "activated methyldiethanolamine." BASF has been cooperating with RWE Power and Linde since 2007 to develop a process for capturing CO2 from flue gases emitted by coal-fired power plants.

About RTI International
RTI International is one of the world's leading research institutes, dedicated to improving the human condition by turning knowledge into practice. With a staff of more than 2,800, RTI provides research and technical expertise to governments and businesses in more than 40 countries in the areas of health and pharmaceuticals, education and training, surveys and statistics, advanced technology, international development, economic and social policy, energy and the environment, and laboratory and chemistry services.

About BASF Intermediates
The BASF Group's Intermediates division develops, produces and markets around the world a comprehensive portfolio of more than 600 intermediates. The most important of the division's product groups include amines, diols, polyalcohols, acids and specialties. Among other applications, intermediates are used as starting materials for coatings, plastics, pharmaceuticals, textile fibers, detergents and crop protectants. Innovative intermediates from BASF help to improve the properties of final products and the efficiency of production processes. The ISO 9001:2000-certified Intermediates division operates plants at production sites in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Around the globe, 2,620 employees of the division generated sales of about €1.9B to third parties in 2009. For more information, visit www.basf.de/intermediates.

About BASF
BASF is the world's leading chemical company: The Chemical Company. Its portfolio ranges from chemicals, plastics and performance products to agricultural products, fine chemicals and oil and gas. As a reliable partner BASF creates chemistry to help its customers in virtually all industries to be more successful. With its high-value products and intelligent solutions, BASF plays an important role in finding answers to global challenges such as climate protection, energy efficiency, nutrition and mobility. BASF posted sales of more than €50B in 2009 and had approximately 105,000 employees as of the end of the year. For more information visit www.basf.com.