NextGenPower is an integrated project which aims to demonstrate new alloys and coatings in boiler, turbine and interconnecting pipework. The concept of NextGenPower is to perform innovative demonstrations that will significantly contribute to the EU target to increase the efficiency in existing and new build pulverized coal power plants. Background Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is envisaged to be the main transition technology to comply with the reduction targets set by the European Commission. However, CCS has the drawback that the electrical efficiency of the coal-fired power plant will drop significantly. The efficiency loss caused by CCS in coal-fired power plants will range from 4 to 12% points, depending on the CCS technology chosen. To overcome this drawback, one has to increase the plant efficiency or the share of biomass co-firing. Both options are limited due to the quality of the current available coatings and materials. Live steam temperatures well in excess of 700 °C are necessary to compensate the efficiency loss caused by CCS and to achieve a net efficiency of 45%. NextGenPower aims to develop and demonstrate coatings and materials that can be applied in ultra-supercritical (in excess of 700˚C) conditions. Summary The NextGenPower project was due to start on 1 May 2010 and have a duration of 48 months. The budget is €10.3million, with an EU contribution making up €6million of the budget. Objectives The following scientific and technological objectives have been defined for NextGenPower, leading to the following project activities: Demonstrating the application of precipitation hardened Nickel-alloys for pulverized coal-fired boilers having allowable levels of creep and fatigue evolving from high temperatures envisaged with USC Demonstrating the application of cost-effective fireside coatings, compatible with affordable and available tube alloys, for coal-fired boilers capable of withstanding the corrosive conditions envisaged with USC and the environment of biomass co-firing under different conditions Demonstrating the application of cost-effective steam side coatings/protective layers to extend the life of boiler tube and interconnecting pipe work, and to facilitate the use of cheaper alternative materials without compromising component life or reliability Demonstrating the application of Ni-alloys for interconnecting pipe work between boiler and steam turbine withstanding high temperatures envisaged with USC and to explore alternative design options to allow for the use of cheaper, more available materials than Ni-alloys Demonstrating the capability to cast, forge and weld Ni-alloys for critical steam turbine components Sub-projects There are also four sub-projects which will be