Publications
47 results found
<jats:p>This report provides the leading science-based assessment of the emissions gap between commitments made by governments to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and those needed to achieve the global temperature goal of the Paris Agreement.</jats:p>
Bui M, Sunny N, Mac Dowell N, 2023, The prospects of flexible natural gas-fired CCGT within a green taxonomy, ISCIENCE, Vol: 26
Fantuzzi A, Saenz Cavazos P, Moustafa N, et al., 2023, Low-carbon fuels for aviation, London, IMSE Briefing Paper No 9
The aviation industry is responsible for 2.1% of global CO2 emissions and represents 12% of CO2 emissions from all transport sources.Aviation is a particularly difficult sector to decarbonise because alternative fuels are relatively expensive, produce highly distributed greenhouse gas emissions in their production and combustion, and should preferably be compatible with existing aviation infrastructure. Emissions from aviation also include nitrogen oxides (NOx), water vapour, particulates, carbon monoxide, unburned hydrocarbons, and sulfur oxides (SOx). These have a 2-3 times greater climate change impact than CO2 alone. The non-CO2 emissions of alternative low-carbon aviation fuels can differ significantly from those of kerosene and have not been fully evaluated. Biofuels• Bio-jet fuels are currently the most technologically mature option for low-carbon aviation fuels because some of these feedstocks and processes are already deployed at scale for other uses. • Bio-jet fuels must be blended with kerosene to achieve certification and can then be used with existing aviation infrastructure. This blending proportionally decreases any potential CO2 emission saving.• Bio-jet fuels can be made from a range of feedstocks, which are restricted in the UK to waste materials. UK biofuel feedstock availability is sufficient for only a small proportion of UK aviation fuel demand (<20%). With blending, their contribution to CO2 emissions saving is much less (<<10%). • Life cycle assessment scenarios show very variable impacts on CO2 emissions for biofuel processes: only some deliver emissions savings compared to fossil fuel kerosene. Calculations for forest residues appear to show consistent savings in CO2 emissions compared to jet fuel, but these do not take account of the difference in timescale between emission and re-absorption, leading to a major underestimation of emissions. The diversion of agricultural and forestry waste to bio-jet fuel produ
Chiquier S, Patrizio P, Bui M, et al., 2023, A comparative analysis of the efficiency, timing, and permanence of CO<sub>2</sub> removal pathways(Vol 15, pg 4389, 2022), ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, Vol: 16, Pages: 321-321, ISSN: 1754-5692
Shehab M, Ordóñez DF, Bui M, et al., 2023, The influence of biomass characteristics and their uncertainties on the production of sustainable aviation fuel, Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, Pages: 2089-2094
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plays an important role in decarbonizing the aviation sector. The ASTM D7566 dictates several pathways to produce sustainable fuels that share the same characteristics as the conventional jet fuel. One of the common pathways to produce SAF is via the gasification of biomass to generate syngas. In this work a model was developed for the process to evaluate the use of different biomass sources on the SAF yield. Moreover, the influence of the measurement uncertainty in the biomass characteristics on the process performance was investigated. The study has shown that the hydrogen content is the most crucial element in the biomass to obtain a higher SAF yield. On the other hand, the uncertainty of the biomass characteristics such as the moisture content causes a 1.5% variation in the final SAF yield. Such analysis shows the urge for an accurate and reliable measurement of the biomass characteristics, this allows for a structural embedding of the uncertainty while making decisions during the process design and evaluation stage.
Sendi M, Bui M, Mac Dowell N, et al., 2022, Geospatial analysis of regional climate impacts to accelerate cost-efficient direct air capture deployment, One Earth, Vol: 5, Pages: 1153-1164, ISSN: 2590-3322
Carbon dioxide (CO2) removal from the atmospheric will be essential if we are to achieve net-zero emissions targets. Direct air capture (DAC) is a CO2 removal method with the potential for large-scale deployment. However, DAC operational costs, and thus deployment potential, is dependent on performance, which can vary under different climate conditions. Here, to further develop our understanding of the impact of regional climate variation on DAC performance, we use high-resolution hourly based global weather profiles between 2016 and 2020 and weighted average capital costs to obtain DAC regional performance and levelized cost of DAC (LCOD). We found that relatively cold and drier regions have favorable DAC performance. Moreover, approximately 25% of the world’s land is potentially unsuitable due to very cold ambient temperatures for a substantial part of the year. For the remaining regions, the estimated LCOD is $320–$540 per tCO2 at an electricity cost of $50 MWh−1. Our results improve the understanding of regional DAC performance, which can provide valuable insights for sustainable DAC deployment and effective climate action.
Brandl P, Bui M, Hallett JP, et al., 2022, A century of re-exploring CO<sub>2</sub> capture solvents, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GREENHOUSE GAS CONTROL, Vol: 120, ISSN: 1750-5836
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- Citations: 3
Chiquier S, Patrizio P, Bui M, et al., 2022, A comparative analysis of the efficiency, timing, and permanence of CO2 removal pathways, Energy and Environmental Science, Vol: 15, Pages: 4389-4403, ISSN: 1754-5692
Carbon dioxide removal (CDR) is essential to deliver the climate objectives of the Paris Agreement. Whilst several CDR pathways have been identified, they vary significantly in terms of CO2 removal efficiency, elapsed time between their deployment and effective CO2 removal, and CO2 removal permanence. All these criteria are critical for the commercial-scale deployment of CDR. In this study, we evaluate a set of archetypal CDR pathways—including afforestation/reforestation (AR), bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), biochar, direct air capture of CO2 with storage (DACCS) and enhanced weathering (EW)—through this lens. We present a series of thought experiments, considering different climates and forest types for AR, land types, e.g. impacting biomass yield and (direct and indirect) land use change, and biomass types for BECCS and biochar, capture processes for DACCS, and rock types for EW. Results show that AR can be highly efficient in delivering CDR, up to 95–99% under optimal conditions. However, regional bio-geophysical factors, such as the near-term relatively slow and limited forest growth in cold climates, or the long-term exposure to natural disturbances, e.g. wildfires in warm and dry climates, substantially reduces the overall CO2 removal efficiency of AR. Conversely, BECCS delivers immediate and permanent CDR, but its CO2 removal efficiency can be significantly impacted by any initial carbon debt associated with (direct and indirect) land use change, and thereby significantly delayed. Biochar achieves low CDR efficiency, in the range of 20–39% when it is first integrated with the soil, and that regardless of the biomass feedstock considered. Moreover, its CO2 removal efficiency can decrease to −3 to 5% with time, owing to the decay of biochar. Finally, as for BECCS, DACCS and EW deliver permanent CO2 removal, but their CO2 removal efficiencies are substantially characterized by the energy system within which they
, 2022, Greenhouse Gas Removal Technologies, Publisher: The Royal Society of Chemistry, ISBN: 9781839161995
<jats:p>Greenhouse gas removal (GGR) technologies can remove greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Most of the current GGR technologies focus on carbon dioxide removal, these include afforestation and reforestation, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, direct air capture, enhanced weathering, soil carbon sequestration and biochar, ocean fertilisation and coastal blue carbon. GGR technologies will be essential in limiting global warning to temperatures below 1.5°C (targets by the IPCC and COP21) and will be required to achieve deep reductions in atmospheric CO2 concentration. In the context of recent legally binding legislation requiring the transition to a net zero emissions economy by 2050, GGR technologies are broadly recognised as being indispensable.</jats:p> <jats:p>This book provides the most up-to-date information on GGR technologies that provide removal of atmosphere CO2, giving insight into their role and value in achieving climate change mitigation targets. Chapters discuss the issues associated with commercial development and deployment of GGRs, providing potential approaches to overcome these hurdles through a combination of political, economic and R&D strategies.</jats:p> <jats:p>With contributions from leaders in the field, this title is an indispensable resource for graduate students and researchers in academia and industry, working in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering and energy policy.</jats:p>
Gonzalez-Garay A, Bui M, Freire Ordóñez D, et al., 2022, Hydrogen production and its applications to mobility, Annual Review of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vol: 13, Pages: 501-528, ISSN: 1947-5438
Hydrogen has been identified as one of the key elements to bolster longer-term climate neutrality and strategic autonomy for several major countries. Multiple road maps emphasize the need to accelerate deployment across its supply chain and utilization. Being one of the major contributors to global CO2 emissions, the transportation sector finds in hydrogen an appealing alternative to reach sustainable development through either its direct use in fuel cells or further transformation to sustainable fuels. This review summarizes the latest developments in hydrogen use across the major energy-consuming transportation sectors. Rooted in a systems engineering perspective, we present an analysis of the entire hydrogen supply chain across its economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Providing an outlook on the sector, we discuss the challenges hydrogen faces in penetrating the different transportation markets.
Sunny N, Bernardi A, Danaci D, et al., 2022, A pathway towards net-zero emissions in oil refineries, Frontiers in Chemical Engineering, Vol: 4, ISSN: 2673-2718
Rapid industrialization and urbanization have increased the demand for both energy and mobility services across the globe, with accompanying increases in greenhouse gas emissions. This short paper analyzes strategic measures for the abatement of CO2 emissions from oil refinery operations. A case study involving a large conversion refinery shows that the use of post-combustion carbon capture and storage (CCS) may only be practical for large combined emission point sources, leaving about 30% of site-wide emissions unaddressed. A combination of post-combustion CCS with a CO2 capture rate well above 90% and other mitigation measures such as fuel substitution and emission offsets is needed to transition towards carbon-neutral refinery operations. All of these technologies must be configured to minimize environmental burden shifting and scope 2 emissions, whilst doing so cost-effectively to improve energy access and affordability. In the long run, scope 3 emissions from the combustion of refinery products and flaring must also be addressed. The use of synthetic fuels and alternative feedstocks such as liquefied plastic waste, instead of crude oil, could present a growth opportunity in a circular carbon economy.
Bui M, Gazzani M, Pozo C, et al., 2021, Editorial: The Role of Carbon Capture and Storage Technologies in a Net-Zero Carbon Future, FRONTIERS IN ENERGY RESEARCH, Vol: 9, ISSN: 2296-598X
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- Citations: 6
Patrizio P, Fajardy M, Bui M, et al., 2021, CO<sub>2</sub> mitigation or removal: The optimal uses of biomass in energy system decarbonization, ISCIENCE, Vol: 24
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- Citations: 14
Danaci D, Bui M, Petit C, et al., 2021, En route to zerio emissions for power and industry with amine-based post-combustion capture, Environmental Science and Technology (Washington), Vol: 55, Pages: 10619-10632, ISSN: 0013-936X
As more countries commit to a net-zero GHG emission target, we need a whole energy and industrial system approach to decarbonization rather than focus on individual emitters. This paper presents a techno-economic analysis of monoethanolamine-based post-combustion capture to explore opportunities over a diverse range of power and industrial applications. The following ranges were investigated: feed gas flow rate between 1–1000 kg ·s–1, gas CO2 concentrations of 2–42%mol, capture rates of 70–99%, and interest rates of 2–20%. The economies of scale are evident when the flue gas flow rate is <20 kg ·s–1 and gas concentration is below 20%mol CO2. In most cases, increasing the capture rate from 90 to 95% has a negligible impact on capture cost, thereby reducing CO2 emissions at virtually no additional cost. The majority of the investigated space has an operating cost fraction above 50%. In these instances, reducing the cost of capital (i.e., interest rate) has a minor impact on the capture cost. Instead, it would be more beneficial to reduce steam requirements. We also provide a surrogate model which can evaluate capture cost from inputs of the gas flow rate, CO2 composition, capture rate, interest rate, steam cost, and electricity cost.
Bui M, Zhang D, Fajardy M, et al., 2021, Delivering carbon negative electricity, heat and hydrogen with BECCS – Comparing the options, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Vol: 46, Pages: 15298-15321, ISSN: 0360-3199
Biomass can be converted into a range of different end-products; and when combined with carbon capture and storage (CCS), these processes can provide negative CO2 emissions. Biomass conversion technologies differ in terms of costs, system efficiency and system value, e.g. services provided, market demand and product price. The aim of this study is to comparatively assess a combination of BECCS pathways to identify the applications which offer the most valuable outcome, i.e. maximum CO2 removal at minimum cost, ensuring that resources of sustainable biomass are utilised efficiently. Three bioenergy conversion pathways are evaluated in this study: (i) pulverised biomass-fired power plants which generate electricity (BECCS), (ii) biomass-fuelled combined heat and power plants (BE-CHP-CCS) which provide both heat and electricity, and (iii) biomass-derived hydrogen production with CCS (BHCCS). The design and optimisation of the BECCS supply chain network is evaluated using the Modelling and Optimisation of Negative Emissions Technology framework for the UK (MONET-UK), which integrates biogeophysical constraints and a wide range of biomass feedstocks. The results show that indigenous sources of biomass in the UK can remove up to 56 /yr from the atmosphere without the need to import biomass. Regardless of the pathway, Bio-CCS deployment could materially contribute towards meeting a national CO2 removal target and provide a substantial contribution to a national-scale energy system. Finally, it was more cost-effective to deploy all three technologies (BECCS, BE-CHP-CCS and BHCCS) in combination rather than individually.
Brandl P, Bui M, Hallett JP, et al., 2021, Beyond 90% capture: Possible, but at what cost?, International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, Vol: 105, Pages: 1-16, ISSN: 1750-5836
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) will have an essential role in meeting our climate change mitigation targets. CCS technologies are technically mature and will likely be deployed to decarbonise power, industry, heat, and removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. The assumption of a 90% CO2 capture rate has become ubiquitous in the literature, which has led to doubt around whether CO2 capture rates above 90% are even feasible. However, in the context of a 1.5 °C target, going beyond 90% capture will be vital, with residual emissions needing to be indirectly captured via carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. Whilst there will be trade-offs between the cost of increased rates of CO2 capture, and the cost of offsets, understanding where this lies is key to minimising the dependence on CDR. This study quantifies the maximum limit of feasible CO2 capture rate for a range of power and industrial sources of CO2, beyond which abatement becomes uneconomical. In no case, was a capture rate of 90% found to be optimal, with capture rates of up to 98% possible at a relatively low marginal cost. Flue gas composition was found to be a key determinant of the cost of capture, with more dilute streams exhibiting a more pronounced minimum. Indirect capture by deploying complementary CDR is also assessed. The results show that current policy initiatives are unlikely to be sufficient to enable the economically viable deployment of CCS in all but a very few niche sectors of the economy.
Bui M, Dowell NM, 2021, Effects of plant scale on flexible operation of amine-based CO<inf>2</inf> capture processes
The transition of energy systems to meet net-zero targets for CO2 emissions will require increased integration of intermittent renewable energy. To balance the intermittency, power plants with CO2 capture and storage (CCS) can provide low carbon, dispatchable electricity generation. The flexibility of power plants is relatively well characterised. However, further evaluation of the flexibility on the CO2 capture side is required. Pilot plant and demonstration studies provide valuable insight on the key characteristics and factors that impact process flexibility. This study investigates the impact of plant scale and key process factors on the performance of amine-based CO2 capture during flexible operation.
Rúa J, Bui M, Nord LO, et al., 2020, Does CCS reduce power generation flexibility? A dynamic study of combined cycles with post-combustion CO2 capture, International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, Vol: 95, Pages: 1-10, ISSN: 1750-5836
To date, the deployment, integration, and utilization of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, in the global energy system has been the cornerstone of efforts to combat climate change. At the same time, it is recognized that renewable power represents only one element of the portfolio of technologies that will be required to deliver a technically feasible and financially viable energy system. In this context, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is understood to play a uniquely important role, providing significant value through flexible operation. It is therefore of vital importance that CCS technology can operate synergistically with intermittent renewable power sources, and consequently ensuring that CCS does not inhibit the flexible and dispatchable nature of thermal power plants. This work analyses the intrinsic dynamic performance of the power and CO2 capture plants independently and as an integrated system. Since the power plant represents the fast dynamics of the system and the steam extraction is the main point of integration between the CO2 capture and power plants, disturbances with fast dynamics are imposed on the steam extraction valve during steady state and dynamic operation of a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) to study the effects of the integration on power generation capacity. The results demonstrate that the integration of liquid-absorbent based post-combustion CO2 capture has negligible impact on the power generation dynamics of the NGCC.
Bui M, Flø NE, de Cazenove T, et al., 2020, Demonstrating flexible operation of the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) CO2 capture plant, International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, Vol: 93, Pages: 1-26, ISSN: 1750-5836
This study demonstrates the feasibility of flexible operation of CO2capture plants with dynamic modelling and experimental testing at the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) CO2capture facility in Norway. This paper presents three flexible operation scenarios: (i) effect of steam flow rate, (ii) time-varying solvent regeneration, and (iii) variable ramp rate. The dynamic model of the TCM CO2capture plant developed in gCCS provides further insights into the process dynamics. As the steam flow rate decreases, lean CO2loading increases, thereby reducing CO2capture rate and decreasing absorber temperature. The time-varying solvent regeneration scenario is demonstrated successfully. During “off-peak” mode (periods of low electricity price), solvent is regenerated, reducing lean CO2loading to 0.16molqY:/molMEAand increasing CO2capture rate to 89–97%. The “peak” mode(period of high electricity price) stores CO2within the solvent by reducing the reboiler heat supply and in-creasing solvent flow rate. During peak mode, lean CO2loading increases to 0.48molqY:/molMEA, reducing CO2 capture rate to 14.5%, which in turn decreases the absorber temperature profile. The variable ramp rate scenario demonstrates that different ramp rates can be applied successively to a CO2capture plant. By maintaining constant liquid-to-gas (L/G) ratio during the changes, the CO2capture performance will remain the same, i.e., constant lean CO2loading (0.14–0.16molqY:/molMEA) and CO2capture rate (87–89%). We show that flexible operation in a demonstration scale absorption CO2capture process is technically feasible. The deviation between the gCCS model and dynamic experimental data demonstrates further research is needed to improve existing dynamic modelling software. Continual development in our understanding of process dynamics during flexible operation of CO2capture plants will be essential. This paper provides additional value by presenting a com-prehensive dy
Bui M, Mac Dowell N, 2020, Chapter 1: Introduction-Carbon capture and storage, RSC Energy and Environment Series, Pages: 1-7, ISBN: 9781788014700
CO2 capture and storage (CCS) and greenhouse gas removal (GGR) are considered vital to meeting global climate change targets. However, despite their technical maturity, their deployment consistently lags behind what is known to be required. This introductory chapter explores why, and suggests some possible paths forward.
Danaci D, Bui M, Mac Dowell N, et al., 2020, Exploring the limits of adsorption-based CO2 capture using MOFs with PVSA – from molecular design to process economics, Molecular Systems Design and Engineering, Vol: 5, Pages: 212-231, ISSN: 2058-9689
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have taken the materials science world by storm, with potentials of near infinite possibilities and the panacea for adsorption-based carbon capture. Yet, no pilot-scale (or larger-scale) study exists on MOFs for carbon capture. Beyond material scalability issues, this clear gap between the scientific and engineering literature relates to the absence of suitable and accessible assessment of MOFs in an adsorption process. Here, we have developed a simple adsorbent screening tool with process economics to evaluate adsorbents for post-combustion capture, while also considering factors relevant to industry. Specifically, we have assessed the 25 adsorbents (22 MOFs, 2 zeolites, 1 activated carbon) against performance constraints – i.e. CO2 purity and recovery – and cost. We have considered four different CO2 capture scenarios to represent a range of CO2 inlet concentrations. The cost is compared to that of amine-based solvents for which a corresponding model was developed. Using the model developed, we have conceptually assessed the materials properties and process parameters influencing the purity, recovery and cost in order to design the ‘best’ adsorbent. We have also set-up a tool for readers to screen their own adsorbent. In this contribution, we show that minimal N2 adsorption and moderate enthalpies of adsorption are key in obtaining good process performance and reducing cost. This stands in contrast to the popular approaches of maximizing CO2 capacity or surface area. Of the 22 MOFs evaluated, UTSA-16 shows the best performance and lowest cost for post-combustion capture, having performance in-line with the benchmark, zeolite 13X. Mg-MOF-74 performs poorly. The cost of using the adsorbents remains overall higher than that of an amine-based absorption process. Ultimately, this study provides specific directions for material scientists to design adsorbents and assess their performance at the process scale. This
Bui M, Mac Dowell N, 2020, Introduction - Carbon Capture and Storage, CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE, Editors: Bui, Dowell, Publisher: ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY, Pages: 1-7, ISBN: 978-1-78801-145-7
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- Citations: 1
Danaci D, 2019, CO2 capture by adsorption processes, Carbon Capture and Storage, Editors: Bui, Mac Dowell, Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry, Pages: 106-167, ISBN: 978-1-78801-145-7
Adsorption is a reliable process technology that has been in use since the 1960s for gas separation applications. Since the mid 90s, interest has grown around CO2 emissions abatement with adsorption being one of the first technologies considered. There has since been significant research and development on both the materials science, and engineering aspects of adsorption for CO2 capture. Adsorbents with extensive histories such as zeolites, activated carbons, and layered double hydroxides have experienced resurgences, and novel adsorbents such as metal–organic frameworks and microporous organic polymers were conceived. Adsorption-based separations are cyclic processes, and methods to improve the attainable purity and recovery of the CO2 have also been investigated; this work has shown that 90%mol recovery and 95%mol purity are possible for post-combustion capture. Work is also underway to improve the throughput of gas–solid contacting devices as a form of process intensification, which is required for high volumetric flow rate applications. Although there are still some concerns around the stability of some adsorbents to impurities, there have been meaningful and significant advancements over the last 20–25 years. These have made adsorption a viable technology for carbon capture applications.
Reiner D, 2019, Carbon Capture and Storage, Publisher: The Royal Society of Chemistry, ISBN: 9781788011457
<jats:p>Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and "negative emissions" technologies will play an essential role in mitigating the impact of global warming and meeting the temperature targets set by the IPCC and by COP21. Identifying the role and value of CCS relative to other mitigation technologies is of vital importance. This book provides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of the major sources of carbon dioxide emission, capture and storage, as well as negative emissions technologies, and provides insight into the role and value of CCS in the industrial and power sectors. The issues associated with commercial deployment of CCS are discussed, providing potential approaches to overcome these hurdles through a combination of political, economic and R&D strategies. Carbon Capture and Storage provides the latest global perspective on the role and value of CCS in delivering temperature targets and reducing the impact of global warming. With contributions from internationally recognised leaders, this book will appeal to graduate students and researchers in academia and industry, working in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, and energy policy.</jats:p>
Yao JG, Bui M, Dowell NM, 2019, Grid-scale energy storage with net-zero emissions: comparing the options, Sustainable Energy and Fuels, Vol: 3, Pages: 3147-3162, ISSN: 2398-4902
The transition to a low-carbon economy is an enormous challenge. With increasing deployment of intermittent renewable energy, there is a recognised need for scalable options for grid-scale, long-term, high energy density, energy storage. Grid-scale energy storage combined with carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) potentially provides a high level of flexibility and reliability. However, previous power-to-gas (P2G) studies have only examined the use of synthetic natural gas (SNG) derived from electrolytic hydrogen and either biomass- or industrially-derived CO2 for this application; making the whole power-to-power (P2P) value chain low carbon at best. Instead, our work assesses the techno-economic feasibility of using direct air capture to develop truly carbon-neutral P2P pathways. After assessing nine net-zero emission configurations using existing technologies, we found that using SNG as an energy storage carrier may be the least expensive route despite being more complex than power-to-hydrogen (P2H). P2H is currently held back by the high cost of H2 storage and the low volumetric density of H2 relative to SNG. Thus, bringing down the cost of H2 storage and building more salt caverns will be imperative for P2H, whereas reducing the cost of carbon capture should be a key priority for accelerating the deployment of power-to-methane (P2M) technologies.
Zhang D, Bui M, Fajardy M, et al., 2019, Unlocking the potential of BECCS with indigenous sources of biomass at a national scale, Sustainable Energy and Fuels, Vol: 4, Pages: 226-253, ISSN: 2398-4902
Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) could play a large role in meeting the 1.5C argets, but faces well-documented controversy in terms of land-use concerns, competition with food production, and cost. This study presents a bottom-up assessment of the scale at which BECCS plants – biomass pulverised combustion plants (“BECCS” in this study) and bioenergy combustion in combined heat and power plants (BE-CHP-CCS) – can be sustainably deployed to meet national carbon dioxide removal (CDR) targets, considering the use of both primary and secondary (waste-derived) biomass. This paper also presents a comprehensive, harmonised data set, which enables others to build upon this work. Land availability for biomass cultivation, processing, and conversion is quantified based on a land-use analysis, avoiding all competition with land used for food production, human habitation, and other protected areas. We find that secondary biomass sources provide a valuable supplement to primary biomass, augmenting indigenous biomass supplies. In initial phases of deployment, we observe that infrastructure is initially clustered near cities, and other sources of low cost, secondary biomass, but as CDR targets are increased and indigenous secondary biomass supplies are exhausted, infrastructure begins to move closer to potential biomass planting areas with higher yield. In minimising the cost of CDR on a cost per tonne CO2 removed basis, we find that the availability of secondary biomass, land availability, and yield are key factors that drive the cost of CDR. Importantly biomass conversion efficiency of a BECCS plant has an inverse effect on CDR costs, with less efficient plants resulting in lower costs compared to their more efficient counterparts. By consuming secondary biomass in BECCS and BE-CHP-CCS plants, the UK is able to be self-sufficient in biomass supply by utilising available indigenous biomass to remove up to 50 MtCO2 /yr, though for cost reas
Cabral RP, Bui M, Dowell NM, 2019, A synergistic approach for the simultaneous decarbonisation of power and industry via bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, Vol: 87, Pages: 221-237, ISSN: 1750-5836
There is a need for a rapid and large scale decarbonisation to reduce CO2 emissions by 45% within 12 years. Thus, we propose a method that accelerates decarbonisation across multiple sectors via a synergistic approach with bioenergy with CCS (BECCS), which is able to remove 740 kgCO2 from air per MWh electricity generated. Industry is a hard-to-decarbonise sector which presents a unique set of challenges where, unlike the power sector, there are no obvious alternatives to CCS. One of these challenges is the significant variation of CO2 concentration, which directly influences CO2 capture costs, ranging from $10/tCO2 to over $170/tCO2 for high (95–99% CO2) and low CO2 concentration (4% CO2) applications, respectively. Re-purposing the existing coal-fired power plant fleet into BECCS displaces CO2 emissions from coal-use and enables a just transition, i.e., avoiding job loss, providing a supportive economic framework that does not rely on government subsidies. Negative emissions generated from capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 can be converted into negative emission credits (NECs) and auctioned to hard-to-decarbonise sectors, thus providing another revenue stream to the power plant. A levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) between $70 and $100 per MWh can be achieved through auctioning NECs at $90–$135 per tCO2. Offsetting the global industrial CO2 emissions of 9 GtCO2 would require 3000 BECCS plants under this framework. This approach could jumpstart industrial decarbonisation whilst giving this sector more time to develop new CCS technologies.
Danaci D, Bui M, Dowell NM, et al., 2019, An adsorbent screening tool with process economics for carbon capture by PVSA
Bui M, Tait P, Lucquiaud M, et al., 2018, Dynamic operation and modelling of amine-based CO2 capture at pilot scale, International Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control, Vol: 79, Pages: 134-153, ISSN: 1750-5836
This study combines pilot plant experiments and dynamic modelling to gain insight into the interaction between key process parameters in producing the dynamic response of an amine-based CO2 capture process. Three dynamic scenarios from the UKCCSRC PACT pilot plant are presented: (i) partial load stripping, (ii) capture plant ramping, and (iii) reboiler decoupling. These scenarios are representative of realistic flexible operation of non-baseload CCS power stations. Experimental plant data was used to validate a dynamic model developed in gCCS. In the capture plant ramping scenario, increased liquid-to-gas (L/G) ratio resulted in higher CO2 capture rate. The partial load stripping scenario demonstrated that the hot water flow directly affects reboiler temperature, which in turn, has an impact on the solvent lean loading and CO2 capture rate. The reboiler decoupling scenario demonstrates a similar relationship. Turning off the heat supply to the reboiler leads to a gradual decline in reboiler temperature, which increases solvent lean loading and reduces CO2 capture rate. The absorber column temperature profile is influenced by the degree of CO2 capture. For scenarios that result in lower solvent lean loading, the absorber temperature profile shifts to higher temperature (due to the higher CO2 capture rate).
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