Optimization-based approach for CO2 utilization in carbon capture, utilization and storage supply chain

Abstract

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the primary anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs), and its increasing emission has drawn wide attention from the international community. Among the strategies for CO2 diminishment, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is considered as the key option. The objective of this work is to develop an optimization-based assessment framework that aims to incorporate CO2 storage and CO2 utilization into an integrated framework. To achieve this goal, a superstructure network including all the sections of CCUS supply chain is proposed, which includes CO2 capture, transportation, storage and utilization with 15 candidate conversion process paths. Based on this superstructure, a mathematical model for the optimal design of a supply chain of CCUS is developed. CO2 would be stored underground and/or utilized to produce chemical products through candidate conversion paths. Finally, a case with real data of large emission sources in Northeast China is studied. Three different scenarios are investigated, according to key constraints on CCUS network: CO2 emission source, raw material limits and products demands limits. Results show that adsorption is the preferred capture technology at relative high flue gas flow rate and high CO2 concentration. Storing CO2 is the recommended approach compared with utilization from the point of economy, however, carbon utilization could be a more sustainable option and may generate a carbon-neutral cycle. With the increase of CO2 utilization, the cost of CCUS supply chain also increase (Scenario A: 2.49 billion $/y, Scenario B: 2.76 billion $/y, Scenario C: 2.85 billion $/y).