1239 / 2024-09-20 18:15:29

Emission Reduction Capacity and Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Typical Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) Technologies

Carbon Capture and Utilization, CCU, Emission Reduction, Cost-effectiveness

The emission reduction capacity and cost-effectiveness of Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies are key factors influencing their development and deployment. This paper proposes a scientific framework to quantify the emission reductions, costs, and benefits associated with CCU technologies, applying it to four typical CCU technologies for analysis. The results show that for CO₂-enhanced oil recovery (CO₂-EOR), under different injection-to-production ratios, the emission reduction per unit ranges from 1.62 to 4.23 tCO₂/t of oil, with a levelized emission reduction cost of 388–883 CNY/tCO₂ and a gross margin of 0% to 55%. Higher injection-to-production ratios may lead to net permanent emission reductions. For CO₂-to-methanol production using green hydrogen, the emission reduction per unit is 4.89 tCO₂/t of methanol, with a levelized reduction cost of 632–1242 CNY/tCO₂. A subsidy of 18–833 CNY/tCO₂ is still required per ton of methanol for breakeven. The CO₂ carbonation of steel slag for construction materials offers a reduction of 0.94 tCO₂/t of slag, with a levelized cost of 219 CNY/tCO₂ and a gross margin of 14%–43%. Finally, the CO₂ cultivation of microalgae for biodiesel production results in a reduction of 0.36 tCO₂/t of algae, with a significantly high cost of 80,000 CNY/tCO₂ and a gross margin of 28%–52%. As a potential pathway for emission reduction, CCU technologies provide both environmental benefits and economic potential. The methodology presented in this paper offers valuable insights for further research in this area.