Carbon Capture And Storage Implementation Research Articles

Nanoscale Understanding on CO2 Diffusion and Adsorption in Clay Matrix Nanopores: Implications for Carbon Geosequestration.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) in subsurface reservoirs represents a highly promising and viable strategy for mitigating global carbon emissions. In the context of CCS implementation, it is particularly crucial to understand the complex molecular diffusive and adsorptive behaviors of anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) in the subsurface at the nanoscale. Yet, conventional molecular models typically represent only single-slit pores and overlook the complexity of interconnected nanopores. In this work, finite kaolinite lamellar assemblages with abundant nanopores (r < 2 nm) were used. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to quantify the spatial distribution correlations, adsorption preference, diffusivity, and residence time of the CO2 molecules in kaolinite nanopores. The movement of the CO2 molecules primarily occurs in the central and proximity regions of the siloxane surfaces, progressing from larger to smaller nanopores. CO2 prefers smaller nanopores over larger ones. The diffusion coefficients increase, while residence times decrease, with the pore size increasing, differing from typical slit-pore models due to the pore shape and interconnectivity. The perspectives in this study, which would be challenging in conventional slit-pore models, will facilitate our comprehension of the CO2 molecular behaviors in the complex subsurface clay sediments for developing quantitative estimation techniques throughout the CCS project durations.

Harnessing 3D seismic data for mapping natural CO2 distribution: Paving the way for future CCS/CCUS implementation in the Lower Talang Akar Formation, Jabung Block, South Sumatra Basin

Hydrocarbon reservoirs saturated with CO2 are naturally widespread in the Lower Talang Akar Formation (LTAF) and deposited in the Jabung Block, South Sumatra Basin, Indonesia. The different CO2 saturation contents stored in the reservoirs pose a challenge to planning future carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in the area. This study integrates poststack 3D seismic data and existing wells in the western part of the Jabung Block. It utilizes seismic attribute methods such as sum of negative amplitude, relative impedance, variance, and ant tracking to predict the origin, saturation, and distribution of CO2-saturated hydrocarbon accumulations in the sandstone reservoirs of the LTAF. The results show that CO2 originated from the Betara Deep source rock in the study area's eastern side and migrated to the reservoirs through major northwest–southeast-trending fault zones. The saturation of CO2 in the reservoirs is mainly controlled by the distance from the source and the reservoir depths, faulting, and fracturing intensity. The fields closer to the Betara source rock tend to be filled with higher contents of CO2 saturation. The results provide valuable guidance in CO2 identification and mapping for future CCS and CCUS implementation in the study area.

Carbon capture and storage at Malaysia power plants: Evaluation of its feasibility and requisite enablers

Rapidly growing GHG emissions are significantly altering the world climate, necessitating a global decarbonization efforts to avert irreversible catastrophic failure of the world ecosystem. Malaysia is pledging to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and has subsequently identified Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as one of the solutions for carbon removal from its energy sector by 2050. However, the implementation of CCS presents formidable challenges, encompassing both technical and commercial complexities, especially for a nation like Malaysia, which has limited experience in large-scale CCS deployment. This study evaluates the feasibility of CCS implementation in Malaysia's fossil fuel power plants by conducting a comprehensive techno-economic assessment, taking into considerations the prevailing energy landscape of the country. This assessment is very crucial to demonstrate the feasibility of this plan within the timeframe, considering the limited research have been done to assess a national-scale implementation, as well as to provide the important insights for future policy implication to promote CCS adoption. The CCS scenarios are assessed through an analytical approach, and comparative analyses are conducted between alternative paths. The result shows that a large-scale implementation of CCS at Malaysia's fossil fuel power plant to achieve net-zero emission by 2050 are feasible given a strong enforcement on emission policy and establishment of CCS legal framework. CCS can potentially reduce 60% of Malaysia's energy sector total emissions, and a solar-supported CCS helps to reduce it further. Levelized Cost of Electricity analysis reveals that the implementation of CCS leads to only a minimal increase between pre- and post-CCS LCOE when carbon price is considered. A SWOT-PESTLE analysis was also conducted to identify gaps in regulatory framework, financial and social aspects. It can be concluded that CCS is a techno-economically viable solution, however Malaysia's readiness for CCS implementation is still at a very novice stage, and aggressive actions are needed to enable a successful full-scale implementation.

Predicting ground surface deformation induced from CO2 plume movement using machine learning

Carbon capture and storage (CCS), which involves injecting carbon dioxide (CO2) into subsurface, is an increasingly popular process for mitigating human caused greenhouse gas emissions. In order to ensure the safety and efficacy of CCS implementation, it is necessary to possess a comprehensive understanding of the complex behaviour of CO2 plumes within geological formations and their potential impact on ground surface deformation. Therefore, conducting research and analysis on these critical aspects is of vital importance. This research provides a methodology to anticipate ground surface deformations, which result from the motion of CO2 plumes utilising an advanced machine learning (ML) technique. The ML surrogate model has been developed using conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (cGAN). The dataset used for the model training and testing comprises ground surface measurements (tiltmeters), reservoir properties, as well as pressure/volume data. The model has been trained and tested using a set of samples created using a forward finite element model. Results show that the surrogate model is capable of predicting reasonably accurate results while running much faster than the forward model.

Building a carbon storage portfolio for the Barrow and Dampier sub-basins – a national resource

The Australian government has recently legislated a 43% emissions reduction target for 2030 to drive net zero ambitions for 2050. The government plans for carbon capture and storage (CCS) to play a significant role in achieving this through greenhouse gas storage licence rounds. Rapid screening of Australia’s carbon storage opportunities is necessary to position future acreage release and ultimately identify and mature carbon storage sites. An industry collaboration between Geoscience Australia and SLB has conducted a basin-scale carbon storage assessment project for the Barrow and Dampier sub-basins. The project has built and modernised a subsurface database fit for CCS screening. The dataset was used as the foundation to create a carbon storage opportunity portfolio and storage resource assessment for the area. The project has three major streams: (1) CCS-focussed reprocessing, depth imaging and merging of 29 legacy seismic surveys covering 26,150 km2 – focussed on detailed image resolution for containment analysis. (2) A basin-wide audit of 1620 wells and databasing of available log data, 129 wells were carried through for petrophysical and rock physics analysis relevant to CCS. (3) A portfolio of carbon storage opportunities and associated capacity assessment for the Barrow–Dampier including saline aquifers and depleted fields ranked on storage capacity, reservoir and seal properties and integrity. The results of this study will be released via the National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System as a public resource to expedite CCS implementation for the region.

Decarbonising LNG value chain using carbon capture and storage: why, where, how much and what are the limitations?

As a result of global aspirations to achieve energy transition along with the desire to ensure energy security, energy exporters proposed a series of new ‘carbon-neutral’ products – liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil. In 2019, a new market was officially born after the first-in-history shipment of carbon-neutral LNG cargo from Shell to Japanese Tokyo Gas. Until 2021, it grew rapidly, however in 2022, announcements about volumes delivered to the customers significantly dropped. In this paper, we will explore the reasons for this dynamic, review perspectives of the carbon-neutral fuels markets, and explore the potential steps that producers and consumers could undertake to achieve global climate targets. We specifically focus on the consequences of implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Based on the data on the world CCS facilities, provided by the International Energy Agency, we conduct preliminary analysis of the capital costs associated with the construction of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage facilities. After that, we apply the cost estimation method (class 5) based on the US Department of Energy Classification, to estimate the costs of using CCS for emissions management in different regions/countries. As a result, the study demonstrates that due to the various economic, geographical and infrastructural limitations, it is more feasible to implement CCS on the producer’s side than on the consumer’s side. We also show what level of CCS implementation within the LNG value chain is economically feasible for different market participants and what the costs are.

Geoscientists at the vanguard of energy security and sustainability: Integrating CCS in exploration strategies

In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions and enhanced energy security, the integration of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) into exploration strategies emerges as a critical imperative. Geoscientists play a central role in this endeavor, leveraging their expertise to navigate the complexities of CCS implementation within exploration frameworks. This paper delves into the multifaceted landscape of CCS integration, elucidating its significance in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and bolstering sustainability efforts. Through a comprehensive analysis of traditional exploration strategies, it underscores the compelling need to incorporate CCS methodologies to fortify sustainability objectives. Geoscientists, equipped with their specialized skill set, assume pivotal roles in driving CCS integration forward. Their proficiency in data analysis, coupled with an innate understanding of geological formations, enables them to chart pathways towards effective CCS deployment. Collaborative endeavors between geoscientists and diverse stakeholders further amplify the impact of CCS initiatives, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange within the energy sector. Drawing upon illuminating case studies, this paper examines successful instances of CCS integration in exploration projects, ranging from conventional offshore ventures to unconventional resource exploration. These case studies offer invaluable insights into the practical applications of geoscientific principles in shaping sustainable energy futures. Additionally, the paper explores emerging trends, future directions, and policy considerations aimed at fostering a conducive environment for CCS adoption within exploration strategies. This paper underscores the indispensable role of geoscientists at the vanguard of energy security and sustainability. By spearheading the integration of CCS in exploration strategies, geoscientists pave the way for a more resilient and environmentally responsible energy landscape.

A Review of CO2 Plume Dispersion Modeling for Application to Offshore Carbon Capture and Storage

The exponential increase in greenhouse gas emissions necessitates urgent measures to mitigate climate change impacts. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has emerged as a promising solution, capturing CO2 from industrial processes and storing it underground. However, CCS implementation poses risks that demand sophisticated modeling. This review focuses on the numerical modeling of CO2 plume dispersion from reservoir leaks during offshore CCS projects, including near- and far-field modeling and the comparison between Lagrangian and Eulerian modeling in particular. Near-field modeling examines CO2 behavior in jet plume, considering depth-related changes. Far-field modeling, employing Eulerian and Lagrangian methods, evaluates dispersion in marine environments. Case studies illustrate the complexity and uniqueness of CO2 dispersion events. The Lagrangian approach emphasizes gas bubble tracking, while the Eulerian approach employs fixed grid systems for detailed hydrodynamic modeling. Both approaches contribute valuable insights, with Eulerian models excelling in site-specific complexities and Lagrangian models offering computational efficiency. A hybrid approach may offer a comprehensive understanding of CO2 dispersion.

Comparative life cycle greenhouse gas analysis of clean hydrogen pathways: Assessing domestic production and overseas import in South Korea

The development of a Clean Hydrogen Standard based on life-cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is gaining prominence on the international agenda. Thus, a framework for assessing life-cycle GHG emissions for clean hydrogen pathways is necessary. In this study, the comprehensive datasets and effects of various scenarios encompassing hydrogen production, carriers (liquid hydrogen, ammonia, methylcyclohexane), carbon capture and storage (CCS), target analysis year (2021, 2030) to reflect trends of greening grid electricity and potential import countries on aggregated life-cycle GHG emissions were presented. South Korea was chosen as a case study region, and the low-carbon alternatives were suggested for reducing aggregated emissions to meet the Korean standard (5 kgCO2e/kgH2). First, capturing and storing nearly entire (>90%) CO2 from fossil- and waste-based production pathways is deemed essential. Second, when repurposing the use of hydrogen that was otherwise used internally, applying a penalty for substitution is appropriate, leading to results notably exceeding the standard. Third, for electrolysis-based hydrogen, using renewable or nuclear electricity is essential. Lastly, when hydrogen is imported, in a well-to-point-of-delivery (WtP) perspective, using renewable electricity during hydrogen conversion into a carrier and reusing the produced hydrogen for endothermic reconversion reaction are recommended. By implementing the developed calculation framework to other countries' cases, it was observed that importing hydrogen to regions having scope of WtP or above (e.g., well-to-wheel) might not meet the threshold due to additional emissions from importation processes. Additionally, for hydrogen carriers undergoing the endothermic reconversion, the approach to reduce WtP emissions (reusing produced hydrogen) may conflict with the approach to reduce well-to-gate (WtG) emission (using external fossil-based fuel). The discrepancy highlights the need to set a broader scope of emissions assessment to effectively promote the life-cycle emission reduction efforts of hydrogen importers. This study contributes to the field of clean hydrogen GHG emission assessment, offering a robust database and calculation framework while addressing the effects of greening grid electricity and CCS implementation, proposing low-carbon alternatives and GHG assessment scope to achieve global GHG reduction.

Projected future European power sector water usage across power scenarios and corresponding trends in water availability

The current transition toward added renewables into the power mix is essential to mitigate climate change effects, but the energy transition has environmental impacts outside the scope of greenhouse gas emissions that also need attention. One such impact is the water-energy dependency nexus, where water dependencies are also seen for non-fossil technologies such as concentrated solar power (CSP), bioenergy and hydropower and mitigation technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCS). In this light, the selection of power production technologies can potentially affect long-term water resource renewability and dry summer conditions, causing, e.g., power plant shutdowns. In this study, we employ an established and validated scheme of water consumption and withdrawal rates across energy conversion technologies at the European scale to project corresponding water usage rates towards 2050 for EU30 countries. We further use the entire range of global- and regional climate model ensembles for low-, medium- and high-emission scenarios to project trends and robustness estimates of freshwater resources and availability at the distributed level for corresponding countries and years towards 2100. The results show a high sensitivity of water usage rates to the implementation of energy technologies such as CSP and CCS, as well as the decommissioning rates of fossil technologies and some scenarios generally show unaltered or even vastly increasing water consumption and withdrawal rates. Further, the assumptions on using CCS technologies, an evolving field, show a high impact. The assessment of hydro-climatic projections showed some degree of overlaps between decreasing water availabilities and increasing power sector water usage, especially for one power production scenario with a high share of CCS implementation. Further, a vast climate model spread in water availability was seen for both yearly means and summer minima, emphasising the need to include extremes in water management, and the water availability was highly dependent on the emission scenario in some regions.

Media Coverage of Carbon Capture and Storage: An Analysis of Established and Emerging Themes in Dutch National Newspapers

Policymakers in several European countries are considering the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology as part of a strategy to prevent further climate change. Successful CCS implementation requires societal support but planned CCS projects have encountered significant opposition. In this study, we examine the CCS coverage in Dutch national newspapers from 2017 to 2019, a period during which the Dutch CCS landscape underwent several substantial changes, and compare the results to those of earlier media analyses conducted between 1991 and 2011. Most of the 324 articles identified discussed CCS in a neutral (36.4%) or balanced (24.4%) manner, and more critical articles than supportive ones were found (23.1% vs. 16.0%). Consistent with the earlier media analyses, the potential of CCS to reduce carbon dioxide emissions was a major theme in the positive portrayal of CCS, while the argument that CCS implementation is needed for the prompt reduction in emissions gained prominence. High CCS deployment costs and the perception that CCS is an unproven technology have remained major themes in the negative portrayal of CCS. The availability of and preference for alternative solutions was a more prominent theme in the conversation compared to earlier years, whereas the subject of CCS safety was discussed less than before. The study illustrates how media coverage can shed light on the evolving relationships between society and CCS, and on the established and emerging themes in arguments used for and against the technology.

Using computational fluid dynamics to compute the pore-scale CO2-brine relative permeability

Global warming is considered as a severe growing crisis over the next years. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has been proposed as a feasible solution to stop the uprising trend of temperature. The satisfactory performance of the CCS implementation is obtained only if the relevant mechanisms are understood well. Undoubtedly, multiphase flow is the most significant common aspect of all effective mechanisms. Relative permeability is recognized as the parameter to describe multiphase flow physics qualitatively and quantitatively. Moreover, previous studies have shown that pore-scale phenomena strongly influence relative permeability data. However, the classic experimental procedures of relative permeability measurements are inherently unable to describe how microscopic phenomena like pore geometries, fluid–fluid interactions, and flow regimes affect the relative permeability data. Based on micro X-ray Computed Tomography (µxCT) images and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), the current research has put forward a systematic workflow to figure out how pore geometry impacts the relative permeability data. Furthermore, the effect of computational domain size on calculated relative permeability data has thoroughly been investigated as well. The results show that realistic relative permeability data are acquired if the effects of pore-scale phenomena are considered.

Is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Really So Expensive? An Analysis of Cascading Costs and CO2 Emissions Reduction of Industrial CCS Implementation on the Construction of a Bridge.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an essential technology to mitigate global CO2 emissions from power and industry sectors. Despite the increasing recognition of its importance to achieve the net-zero target, current CCS deployment is far behind targeted ambitions. A key reason is that CCS is often perceived as too expensive. The costs of CCS have however traditionally been looked at from the industrial plant perspective, which does not necessarily reflect the end user's one. This paper addresses the incomplete view by investigating the impact of implementing CCS in industrial facilities on the overall costs and CO2 emissions of end-user products and services. As an example, we examine the extent to which an increase in costs of raw materials (cement and steel) due to CCS impacts the costs of building a bridge. Results show that although CCS significantly increases cement and steel costs, the subsequent increment in the overall bridge construction cost remains marginal (∼1%). This 1% cost increase, however, enables a deep reduction in CO2 emissions (∼51%) associated with the bridge construction. Although more research is needed in this area, this work is the first step to a better understanding of the real cost and benefits of CCS.

Anticipating the social fit of CCS projects by looking at place factors

Understanding the factors influencing the acceptance of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects is key for the projects’ deployment and for accelerating the global mitigation of CO2 emissions. While anticipating the ways in which “places” can potentially affect a technology's deployment is relevant to mitigating social risks, social aspects are often omitted or included late in site selection processes. Here, we present a methodology to include place factors upstream in the site-screening process based on a literature review of former CCS implementation processes and maps of potential locations. We identified the place factors that had been determinative for the acceptance of or opposition to 38 CCS projects. Then, the usability of geographic information system (GIS) maps to represent social factors around potential storage sites in Switzerland was assessed. Our results show that place factors have positively influenced 22 and negatively impacted 16 projects in the past. In addition, it is possible to visualize several factors around potential CO2 storage locations, while unmappable factors must be explored at later stages. We conclude that awareness of place factors coupled with reflection on the values pushed by the technology will likely enable better site choices.

Carbon Storage Resource Assessment of the Mid-Atlantic U.S. Offshore Region

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical technology for ensuring a range of clean energy options are available to meet future energy demands. Offshore storage can be linked to large point-sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) while avoiding many of the logistical difficulties and potential risks encountered when siting onshore projects, especially in densely populated areas of the East Coast of the United States. Offshore storage along mid-Atlantic region was studied under the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) funded Mid-Atlantic U.S. Offshore Carbon Storage Resource Assessment Project (MAOCSRAP) and as a subtask under the Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (MRCSP). The assessment was conducted as a technical collaboration between Battelle, Rutgers University, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University, state geological surveys of Delaware, Maryland and Pennsylvania, United States Geological Survey-Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Science Center, and Harvard University. Major objectives were to complete a systematic carbon storage resource assessment of the of the mid-Atlantic offshore coastal region from the Georges Bank Basin (GBB) through the Long Island Platform (LIP) to the southern Baltimore Canyon Trough (BCT), examine offshore storage risk factors, and engage industry and regulatory stakeholders through development of a Road Map to assist future project planning and implementation. Various publicly available data sets, such as seismic data, well-logs, and core data, were integrated to define geologic characteristics of candidate storage sites and calculate prospective CO2 storage resources for Cretaceous- and Jurassic-age sandstone sequences of the mid-Atlantic offshore sub-regions. The combined dataset helped to identify and map potential storage zones within sequences of the Logan Canyon, Missisauga, and Mohawk formations, as well as the regionally extensive caprock comprised of the Dawson Canyon shale. Prospective storage resource estimates and formation-specific storage efficiency values were calculated with static volumetric and dynamic methods. Regional-scale estimates range from 150 to 1136 gigatonnes (Gt) for the combined storage zones, with high estimated storage resource (≥ 2.4 megatonnes [Mt] CO2/km2) occurring in the northern BCT near the Great Stone Dome (GSD) structure. Results of local scale simplified dynamic reservoir simulation in the GSD indicate that injection rates of 1 Mt CO2/year may be sustained within the time and pressure constraints assumed for a commercial storage project. An initial, qualitative assessment of technical risk factors present in mid-Atlantic offshore areas was conducted. Overall, the mid-Atlantic offshore area benefits from the large spatial extent, thick sequences of sands, lack of previous oil and gas wellbores, and distance from populated development. Geomechanical stability, reservoir variability, and soft sediment deformation were identified as moderate risk factors in some areas. No highly critical risk factors were identified that would impede CO2 storage along the study areas. Input and participation from government, industry, and environmental groups helped to address next steps needed for future CCS project planning and implementation in the study region. Recommended near-term actions are to develop site screening through advanced geologic modeling, implement stakeholder outreach and risk mitigation strategies, identify industry and research goals, and develop regulatory pathways. Recommended mid-term actions are to validate subsurface properties with new data, conduct a cost-benefit analysis, and develop a monitoring, verification, and accounting (MVA) plan. Long term-recommended actions are to implement a plan for large-scale CCS operations using the previous findings, conduct site design, permitting, and construction, and upscale infrastructure. This project represents an important first step by completing a high-level CO2 storage resource assessment and building the knowledge infrastructure necessary to support the development of full-scale offshore carbon storage.

Detection and Quantification of CO &lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Seepage in Seawater Using the Stoichiometric Cseep Method: Results from a Recent Subsea CO &lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; Release Experiment in the North Sea

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a potential significant mitigation strategy to combat climate change and ocean acidification in climate change scenarios e.g.,. Three out of four 1.5°C- consistent emission pathways published by the IPCC include CCS as well as bioenergy CCS (BECCS) as mitigation options. However, the scale of current CCS implementation is insufficient to affect the global climate, and thousands of large-scale CCS facilities need to be deployed by 2040 to meet mitigation targets. Moreover, the technology is in early stage of research, development, and demonstration e.g., and involves uncertainties and risks e.g.,. Currently, there are encouraging signals that CCS development and deployment are gaining momentum, and demonstration projects and experimental work are providing needed data for more thorough risk assessment.

A first look at social factors driving CCS perception in Brazil: A case study in the Recôncavo Basin

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a promising technology to help greenhouse gas emission mitigation. However, one of the greatest challenges for this technology implementation is the opposition from the population living near the potential sites. Despite the Brazilian geological potential for carbon dioxide injection, research investigating social site characterization or CCS public perception is almost non-existent in Brazil. Thus, this research aims to address this gap and analyze social factors driving CCS perception of the population living near potential sites in the Recôncavo Basin, state of Bahia, this being one of the first steps for social site characterization. Fifty-seven interviews were carried out near 10 CCS potential injection fields, focusing on questions about climate change knowledge, people’s previous relationship with oil exploration, trust in public and private stakeholders, belief in citizens’ influence and CCS perception. The results showed that the previous history of the community with oil companies is an important factor influencing people’s perception of private companies in general and CCS projects in particular. Another relevant social factor is the sense of empowerment in some communities that may respond with riots and obstruction of the project if they feel harmed by the companies. The results also suggest that communication can be a relevant factor for CCS perception, correcting some wrong assumptions about the technology. It is important to educate people not only about CCS but also about climate change and other environmental issues and, ethically, address all aspects, positive and negative, of CCS implementation.

Techno-Economic Analysis of CO2 Capture Technologies in Offshore Natural Gas Field: Implications to Carbon Capture and Storage in Malaysia

Growing concern on global warming directly related to CO2 emissions is steering the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS). With Malaysia having an estimated 37 Tscfd (Trillion standard cubic feet) of natural gas remains undeveloped in CO2 containing natural gas fields, there is a need to assess the viability of CCS implementation. This study performs a techno-economic analysis for CCS at an offshore natural gas field in Malaysia. The framework includes a gas field model, revenue model, and cost model. A techno-economic spreadsheet consisting of Net Present Value (NPV), Payback Period (PBP), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) is developed over the gas field’s production life of 15 years for four distinctive CO2 capture technologies, which are membrane, chemical absorption, physical absorption, and cryogenics. Results predict that physical absorption solvent (Selexol) as CO2 capture technology is most feasible with IRR of 15% and PBP of 7.94 years. The output from the techno-economic model and associated risks of the CCS project are quantified by employing sensitivity analysis (SA), which indicated that the project NPV is exceptionally sensitive to gas price. On this basis, the economic performance of the project is reliant on revenues from gas sales, which is dictated by gas market price uncertainties.

Those who care about CCS—Results from a Japanese survey on public understanding of CCS-

In order to assess the present status of the general public’s awareness and opinion on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and to analyze attributes of groups who have different opinions on CCS, a Japanese social survey was conducted in 2015. The results of the survey showed that the majority of the Japanese general public did not know much about CCS but were interested in CCS without any opinion on CCS as a part of climate policy portfolio. In terms of implementation of CCS, the Not in My Backyard (NIMBY) perception on CCS influenced opinions, while about half of the respondents did not have clear opinions on a hypothetical plan of implementing offshore CCS near their home.Respondents were categorized to four groups, who were consistently positive, consistently negative, changeable or fundamentally indifferent to CCS, and the points of communication for each group were discussed to get a consensus on CCS policy and implementation. The survey found that some of the characteristics of indifferent people toward CCS had a low level of consciousness regarding concerns on climate change issues and politically passive on national political issues. Required information to communicate CCS issues for each group were identified by the analysis. The results of our analysis highlighted the importance of informing the Japanese general public about the technological maturity, positive and negative impacts or risks of CCS, and the necessity of climate change mitigation action in communicating the issues surrounding CCS implementation.

Framing effects on public support for carbon capture and storage

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) involves trapping carbon dioxide (CO2) from power generation and heavy industrial processes and directing it into long-term geological storage (e.g., in depleted oil fields or saline aquifers). In doing so, CCS could facilitate global carbon abatement efforts. Yet, it remains controversial with high-profile public opposition to particular CCS developments. For instrumental, normative and substantive reasons, it is increasingly recognised that public acceptance of CCS as a vital precondition for its commercial-scale rollout. While much is known about factors influencing public support for CCS, relatively few cross-national studies have so far been undertaken. Here, we present findings from a large-scale international experimental study of public perceptions of CCS, to examine how individual, geographical and informational factors influence support for CCS. In particular, we compare the lens through which CCS is seen – as a ‘techno-fix’ climate change solution, as reusing a waste product (through Carbon Dioxide Utilisation [CDU]), or as part of a systemic approach to climate change mitigation. Pairing CCS with CDU led to higher support for CCS, although information frames interacted with national and individual-level factors. Depending on which CCS lens is chosen, different groups will be more or less likely to support CCS implementation. As with other issues, targeting CCS information to audience values is likely to be more effective than untargeted communication. Our findings also show mentioning (modest) costs of deploying CCS can lead to lower support. Discussing CCS costs should be done in the context of costs of broader energy system transformation and of not mitigating climate change so that the public can deliberate over the relative risks and benefits of CCS and alternatives in the context of broader sustainability pathways.