2024 AIChE Annual Meeting
(97a) Techno-Economic Analysis of Liquid Absorbent-Based Carbon Capture for Achieving Net-Zero Natural Gas Power Generation
To effectively meet climate goals for decarbonizing the electric grid, urgent action is required to mitigate CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power plants while transitioning to a sustainable electricity future. Natural gas currently serves as a major power source for the US electric grid, with numerous additional natural gas power plants slated for construction in the near future. Integrating carbon capture and storage (CCS) processes into existing natural gas-fired power plants is recognized as a pivotal strategy for decarbonizing these facilities, therefore aligning with climate objectives while ensuring reliable electricity supply.
Historically, CCS technology has aimed to capture 90% of the CO2 from power plant flue gases (i.e., 90% capture efficiency). Recent advancements indicate that liquid absorbent-based technologies can achieve capture rates as high as 95% at reasonable costs (e.g., <5% increase relative to 90% capture).1 However, to meet the ambitious US target of carbon-free electricity by 2035, further exploration into the technical and economic feasibility of >95% CCS is imperative.
A new generation of carbon capture liquid absorbents are under development to target capture efficiencies exceeding 95% while minimizing energy consumption and cost increases. This study presents a technoeconomic analysis of a >95% carbon capture process utilizing validated experimental data obtained from a pilot-scale carbon capture system employing an innovative liquid absorbent. Pilot experimental work has demonstrated that this liquid absorbent can achieve over 99% capture efficiency with minimal reboiler duty increase. The analysis aims to predict capture performance and economics at commercial-scale natural gas power plants. Comparative assessments between the novel and traditional liquid absorbents, such as monoethanolamine, targeting a similar range of capture efficiencies are conducted to evaluate performance and costs.
Additionally, recognizing the upstream emissions associated with the leakage of natural gas during its extraction, transmission, and distribution, this study explores the feasibility and costs of achieving net-zero electricity production from natural gas power plants. To inform the comprehensive assessment of emissions reduction strategies, state-of-the-art measurements of methane emissions from US oil and gas systems are incorporated, providing crucial insights into the total emissions reduction required for achieving net zero emission electricity from natural gas power generation.
Historically, CCS technology has aimed to capture 90% of the CO2 from power plant flue gases (i.e., 90% capture efficiency). Recent advancements indicate that liquid absorbent-based technologies can achieve capture rates as high as 95% at reasonable costs (e.g., <5% increase relative to 90% capture).1 However, to meet the ambitious US target of carbon-free electricity by 2035, further exploration into the technical and economic feasibility of >95% CCS is imperative.
A new generation of carbon capture liquid absorbents are under development to target capture efficiencies exceeding 95% while minimizing energy consumption and cost increases. This study presents a technoeconomic analysis of a >95% carbon capture process utilizing validated experimental data obtained from a pilot-scale carbon capture system employing an innovative liquid absorbent. Pilot experimental work has demonstrated that this liquid absorbent can achieve over 99% capture efficiency with minimal reboiler duty increase. The analysis aims to predict capture performance and economics at commercial-scale natural gas power plants. Comparative assessments between the novel and traditional liquid absorbents, such as monoethanolamine, targeting a similar range of capture efficiencies are conducted to evaluate performance and costs.
Additionally, recognizing the upstream emissions associated with the leakage of natural gas during its extraction, transmission, and distribution, this study explores the feasibility and costs of achieving net-zero electricity production from natural gas power plants. To inform the comprehensive assessment of emissions reduction strategies, state-of-the-art measurements of methane emissions from US oil and gas systems are incorporated, providing crucial insights into the total emissions reduction required for achieving net zero emission electricity from natural gas power generation.
(1) Du, Y.; Gao, T. Y.; Rochelle, G. T.; Bhown, A. S. Zero- and negative-emissions fossil-fired power plants using CO2 capture by conventional aqueous amines. Int J Greenh Gas Control 2021, 111. DOI: 10.1016/j.ijggc.2021.103473. Schmitt, T.; Leptinsky, S.; Turner, M.; Zoelle, A.; Woods, M.; Shultz, T.; James, R. Fossil Energy Baseline Revision 4a; National Energy Technology Laboratory, 2022.
This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. LLNL Release number LLNL-ABS-862506.