Sustainable carbon constrained natural gas monetization networks in industrial parks

Abstract

Abstract Natural gas is a key resource for global energy supply and serves a feedstock for many processes. Each of the natural gas utilization or monetization routes, whether to value added products or use as fuel, is associated with certain emissions and cost. Therefore, the development of effective strategies for natural resource monetization is important for profitable resource utilization. However, the global community commitment to ambitious CO2 emission reduction targets thus there is also a need to address the environmental concerns associated with natural gas monetization. Al-Mohannadi et al (2017) introduced a method that identifies efficient CO2 reduction options in industrial parks with a natural gas allocation model. The approach produces natural gas and CO2 networks for an industrial city that adheres for a given CO2 target. While, the method aims at maximizing profitability of natural gas monetization, and reduces CO2 through the use of carbon capture and utilization (CCUS) and the application of renewable energy, it does not consider the sustainability of the networks. This work will incorporate different indicators to understand the impact of the carbon constrained natural gas allocation networks on a natural gas central economy. This insight into sustainability performance will help better design for overall environmental protection and better use of natural resources. The aim of the method is to aid policymakers to quantify and understand the economic, environment and social impact of emission regulation.