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Selecting CO2 Sources for CO2 Utilization by Environmental-Merit-Order Curves
Niklas von der Assen1, Leonard J Müller1, Annette Steingrube1
1Chair of Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen University , Schinkelstrasse 8, 52062 Aachen, Germany.
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 12, 2016
Summary
This study introduces an environmental-merit-order (EMO) curve to rank carbon dioxide (CO2) sources for utilization. Chemical plants and natural gas processing offer the most environmentally favorable CO2 capture options.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Chemical engineering
- Sustainable energy
Background:
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel dependence necessitates exploring alternative carbon feedstocks.
- Carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and utilization (CCU) offers a pathway to sustainable fuels, chemicals, and materials.
- A wide array of CO2 emission sources exist, requiring a method to prioritize environmentally sound options for utilization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a framework for ranking CO2 sources based on their environmental impact for utilization.
- To identify the most environmentally favorable CO2 sources for capture, considering energy demands and transport.
- To map potential locations for CO2 utilization, termed 'CO2 oases', with minimal environmental footprint.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive literature review to assess energy demands for CO2 capture, compression, and transport.
- Constructed a database of CO2 sources across Europe.
- Developed and applied the environmental-merit-order (EMO) curve to rank CO2 sources by environmental impact.
- Calculated regional EMO curves incorporating transport distances and country-specific energy impacts.
Main Results:
- CO2 sources were ranked, prioritizing chemical plants and natural gas processing, followed by paper mills, power plants, and iron and steel plants.
- Analysis revealed that CO2 transport distances are generally short, simplifying initial environmental impact assessments.
- Regional EMO curves identified optimal locations for CO2 utilization, minimizing the environmental burden of CO2 supply.
Conclusions:
- The environmental-merit-order (EMO) curve is an effective tool for selecting the most sustainable CO2 sources for utilization.
- Prioritizing CO2 capture from industrial sources with lower energy demands and shorter transport distances is crucial for environmental benefit.
- Identifying 'CO2 oases' through regional EMO analysis can guide strategic development of carbon capture and utilization infrastructure.
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