Technical and economic prospects of CCUS projects in Russia

Abstract

Carbon dioxide is one of the main contributors to global climate change. The Russian Federation plays an essential role as one of the primary fossil fuel producers and CO2 emitters globally. Therefore, introducing novel carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies will inevitably contribute to further Russia's economic and industrial development. Moreover, CCUS should be intensified due to the cross-border tax under Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) introduced by European Union. This paper presents a brief review of the CO2 capture strategies and their comparison. A short overview of different CCUS technologies with a partial focus on the studies by the Russian researchers is presented. CO2 transportation, utilization, and storage aspects are highlighted, considering Russia's potential. The model scheme of the CCUS plant based on existing technologies is given, and the economic estimations and consequences relative to Russian policy under the CBAM tax are discussed. The markable financial losses are shown; thus, the commercial success of CCUS can only bring a radical reduction in cost, which is only expected by 2040.