CCUS As a Regional Economic Development Tool: Planning and Design Considerations

One of the major concerns has been the impact of Carbon Capture Utilization and Sequestration on regional economies. We submit that CCUS provides a means for regional economic growth and job creation. In order to achieve these benefits, it is necessary to re-build and re-design the structure of the regional carbon supply chain. This includes (1) developing a methodology to evaluate large scale capture options for regional power plants, (2) evaluating a portfolio of options to utilize the captured CO₂ that are relevant to the needs of the local economy, (3) establishing public-private partnerships that help incentivize the newly formed / newly revised carbon supply chain.

The state of Illinois, through the University of Illinois, is demonstrating on a large pilot scale the technical feasibility of retrofitting power plants with the Linde/BASF carbon capture system. This presentation shares the experience gained and progress achieved, along with identification of issues and challenges that need to be overcome from a technical, financial, and policy perspective. It discusses up-front design considerations when the eventual utilization of the capture CO₂ is one of the ultimate goals. It also reviews steps that are taken that address workforce development needs throughout the carbon supply chain. It also discusses a strategy for deployment of CCUS throughout the state.