• Energy Research

A rapid development of nuclear energy production reaching 173 EJ/y in 2060 and 605 EJ/y in 2110 limits the Global Mean Surface Temperature (GMST) increase to 1.5°C with respect to preindustrial value, with a reduction of the stored carbon dioxide from 800 Gt in the original MESSAGE-Efficiency scenario to 275 Gt in the present one, while multiplying by 6 the Total Primary Energy Supply between 2015 and 2110.

AbstractAnimal manure has been used to manage soil fertility since the dawn of agriculture. It provides plant nutrients and improves soil fertility. In the last decades, animal husbandry has been significantly expanded globally. Its economics were optimized via the (international) trade of feed, resulting in a surplus of animal manure in areas with intensive livestock farming. Potentially toxic elements (PTEs), pathogenic microorganisms, antibiotic residues, biocides, and other micropollutants in manure threaten animal, human, and environmental health. Hence, manure application in crop fields is increasingly restricted, especially in hotspot regions with intensive livestock activities. Furthermore, ammonia volatilization and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during manure storage, field application, and decomposition contribute to air pollution and climate change. Conventional manure management scenarios such as composting and anaerobic digestion partially improve the system but cannot guarantee to eliminate sanitary and contamination risks and only marginally reducing its climate burden. Hence, this review discusses the potential of pyrolysis, the thermochemical conversion under oxygen‐limited conditions as an alternative treatment for animal manure providing energy and biochar. Manure pyrolysis reduces the bioavailability of PTEs, eliminates pathogenic microorganisms and organic micropollutants, and reduces GHG emissions. Pyrolysis also results in the loss of nitrogen, which can be minimized by pretreatment, that is, after removing soluble nitrogen fraction of manure, for example, by digestion and stripping of ammonia–nitrogen or liquid–solid separation. However, conclusions on the effect of manure pyrolysis on crop yield and fertilization efficiencies are hampered by a lack of nutrient mass balances based on livestock unit equivalent comparisons of manure and manure biochar applications. Hence, it is essential to design and conduct experiments in more practically relevant scenarios and depict the observations based on the amount of manure used to produce a certain amount of biochar.

Bio-Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is an emerging energy conversion technology with the potential to deliver ‘negative emissions’, a net removal of CO2 from the atmosphere that may be necessary to achieve the net-zero targets adopted in the Glasgow Climate Pact at COP26. This paper uses Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to investigate the environmental impacts of co-firing dry waste biomass (wood and paper waste) while implementing CCS technology (i.e., BECCS) in a conventional black coal-fired power plant. The LCA covers CO2 emissions and trace contaminants, determined via combustion modelling coupled with chemical-equilibrium-based ash-forming element and trace element calculations. As a case study, the context of New South Wales, Australia, is analysed to assesses the viability and discuss policy implications of waste co-firing BECCS as a future energy source for coal-reliant regions. An increase in co-firing ratio is found to decrease emission intensity. At current typical efficiencies, BECCS with a 10 % co-firing ratio can reduce emission intensity from 938 to 181 kgCO2/MWh. At 20 % to 25 % co-firing, the emission intensity of BECCS is comparable with other renewable technologies, and negative emissions are achievable above 30 %, although waste availability in NSW is insufficient to achieve these levels. Moreover, BECCS increases environmental impact in all categories except for global warming potential (GWP), land use, and terrestrial acidification. Nonetheless, when aggregating all impacts, the large reduction in GWP drives an endpoint score reduction, indicating that co-fired BECCS may be preferred over sub-critical black (bituminous) coal-fired power without or with CCS, or other higher emission intensity coal-fired power generation. Therefore, policy makers should consider incentivising waste co-firing BECCS as part of future energy policies towards achieving the net-zero targets, weighing its benefits against other environmental impacts, waste availability and competition with recycling ...

Les technologies d'émission négative (TNE) ont été identifiées comme la clé pour atteindre les objectifs d'émission de dioxyde de carbone (CO2) dans la plupart des pays. Cependant, il est difficile de choisir le FILET le plus approprié et le plus rentable pour atteindre ces objectifs. Ainsi, une compréhension plus approfondie des impacts des TNE sur le système est nécessaire pour une prise de décision efficace. Ce travail présente une étude d'optimisation du cycle de vie (LCO) d'un ensemble de technologies NETTES. L'étude LCO combine l'analyse du cycle de vie avec l'analyse technico-économique pour optimiser et cribler les alternatives de processus telles que le captage et le stockage du carbone bioénergétique (BECCS), le captage et le stockage directs du carbone dans l'air (DACCCS) et le biochar. La méthodologie proposée a été démontrée avec une étude de cas avec cinq scénarios pour atteindre deux objectifs : minimiser le coût total du système et minimiser les émissions nettes de CO2. L'étude de cas a analysé différentes configurations NETTES pour décarboner une centrale électrique au charbon existante dans l'est de la Malaisie (Sarawak). Dans ce travail, une centrale électrique au charbon balalienne existante a été envisagée. LES CONFIGURATIONS NETTES ont été évaluées en fonction d'aspects de performance critiques tels que les émissions de carbone du cycle de vie total (TLCCE) et le coût total du cycle de vie (TLCCI). Cependant, il convient de souligner que la méthodologie proposée peut être révisée pour gérer d'autres configurations de RÉSEAU qui n'ont pas été explicitement abordées dans ce document. Cela peut être fait en utilisant des données et des hypothèses pertinentes qui sont spécifiques à chaque configuration de RÉSEAU. Les résultats de l'étude de cas montrent que le scénario de coût minimum fournit une configuration NETTE optimale avec TLCCE et TLCCI allant de -0,02 kgCO2eq à 100,28 kgCO2eq et 23,99 USD/MWh à 1 466,70 USD/MWh, respectivement. En termes d'analyse du cycle de vie, DACCS montre un TLCCI favorable de 23,99 USD/MWh et un TLCCE de -0,02 kgCO2eq/MWh. D'autre part, la minimisation des émissions de CO2 entraîne une TLCCI de 7% à 17% plus élevée dans les scénarios 2 et 3, mais une tendance similaire dans chaque sous-système peut encore être observée. Cela a prouvé qu'un coût plus élevé est nécessaire dans le cas où les émissions de CO2 devaient être minimisées. Las tecnologías de emisiones negativas (Net) se han identificado como la clave para alcanzar los objetivos de emisiones de dióxido de carbono (CO2) en la mayoría de los países. Sin embargo, seleccionar la RED más adecuada y rentable para cumplir estos objetivos es un desafío. Por lo tanto, es necesaria una comprensión más profunda de los impactos en el sistema de las Net para una toma de decisiones efectiva. Este trabajo presenta un estudio de optimización del ciclo de vida (LCO) de un conjunto de tecnologías NET. El estudio LCO combina el análisis del ciclo de vida con el análisis tecnoeconómico para optimizar y cribar alternativas de procesos como la captura y almacenamiento de carbono bioenergético (BECCS), la captura y almacenamiento directo de carbono en el aire (DACCCS) y el biocarbón. La metodología propuesta se demostró con un estudio de caso con cinco escenarios para lograr dos objetivos: minimizar el coste total del sistema y minimizar las emisiones netas de CO2. El estudio de caso analizó diferentes configuraciones de REDES para descarbonizar una central eléctrica de carbón existente en el este de Malasia (Sarawak). En este trabajo, se consideró una central eléctrica de carbón de Balingia existente. LAS CONFIGURACIONES NETAS se evaluaron en función de aspectos críticos de rendimiento, como las emisiones de carbono del ciclo de vida total (TLCCE) y los insumos de costes del ciclo de vida total (TLCCI). Sin embargo, vale la pena enfatizar que la metodología propuesta puede revisarse para manejar otras configuraciones de RED que no se abordaron explícitamente en este documento. Esto se puede hacer utilizando datos y supuestos relevantes que son específicos para cada configuración de RED. Los resultados del estudio de caso muestran que el caso de costo mínimo proporciona una configuración NETA óptima con TLCCE y TLCCI que van desde -0.02 kgCO2eq a 100.28 kgCO2eq y 23.99 USD/MWh a 1466.70 USD/MWh, respectivamente. En términos de análisis del ciclo de vida, el DACCS muestra un TLCCI favorable de 23,99 USD/MWh y un TLCCE de -0,02 kgCO2eq/MWh. Por otro lado, minimizar las emisiones de CO2 da como resultado un TLCCI entre un 7% y un 17% más alto en los Escenarios 2 y 3, pero aún se puede observar una tendencia similar en cada subsistema. Esto ha demostrado que se requiere un mayor coste en el caso de que se minimicen las emisiones de CO2. Negative emission technologies (NETs) have been identified as the key to achieve carbon dioxide (CO2) emission targets in most coutries. However, selecting the most appropriate and cost-efficient NET to meet these targets is challenging. Thus, a deeper understanding of the system impacts of NETs is necessary for effective decision-making. This work presents a life cycle optimisation (LCO) study of a set of NET technologies. LCO study combines life cycle analysis with techno-economic analysis to optimise and screen process alternatives such as bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS), direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCCS), and biochar. The proposed methodology was demonstrated with a case study with five scenarios to achieve two objectives: to minimise total system cost and to minimise net CO2 emissions. The case study analysed different NET configurations to decarbonise an existing coal-fired power plant in East Malaysia (Sarawak). In this work, an existing Balingian Coal-Fired Power Plant was considered. NET configurations were assessed based on critical performance aspects such as total life cycle carbon emissions (TLCCE) and total life cycle cost input (TLCCI). However, it is worth emphasising that the proposed methodology can be revised to handle other NET configurations that were not explicitly addressed in this paper. This can be done by utilising relevant data and assumptions that are specific to each NET configuration. Results from the case study show that the minimum cost case provides an optimum NET configuration with TLCCE and TLCCI ranging from -0.02 kgCO2eq to 100.28 kgCO2eq and 23.99 USD/MWh to 1466.70 USD/MWh, respectively. In terms of life cycle analysis, DACCS shows a favourable TLCCI of 23.99 USD/MWh and TLCCE of -0.02 kgCO2eq/MWh. On the other hand, minimising CO2 emissions results in a 7% to 17% higher TLCCI in Scenario 2 and 3 but a similar trend in each sub-system can still be observed. This has proven that higher cost is required in the case when the CO2 emissions were to be minimised. تم تحديد تقنيات الانبعاثات السلبية (NETs) كمفتاح لتحقيق أهداف انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون (CO2) في معظم الدول. ومع ذلك، فإن اختيار الشبكة الأكثر ملاءمة وفعالية من حيث التكلفة لتحقيق هذه الأهداف أمر صعب. وبالتالي، فإن الفهم الأعمق لتأثيرات النظام لـ NETs ضروري لصنع القرار الفعال. يقدم هذا العمل دراسة تحسين دورة الحياة (LCO) لمجموعة من تقنيات الشبكة. تجمع دراسة LCO بين تحليل دورة الحياة والتحليل الفني والاقتصادي لتحسين بدائل العمليات وفحصها مثل احتجاز الكربون وتخزينه في الطاقة الحيوية (BECCS)، واحتجاز الكربون المباشر في الهواء وتخزينه (DACCCS)، والفحم الحيوي. تم عرض المنهجية المقترحة من خلال دراسة حالة مع خمسة سيناريوهات لتحقيق هدفين: تقليل التكلفة الإجمالية للنظام وتقليل صافي انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون. حللت دراسة الحالة تكوينات شبكية مختلفة لإزالة الكربون من محطة طاقة قائمة تعمل بالفحم في شرق ماليزيا (ساراواك). في هذا العمل، تم النظر في إنشاء محطة طاقة تعمل بالفحم في بالينغيا. تم تقييم التكوينات الصافية بناءً على جوانب الأداء الحرجة مثل إجمالي انبعاثات الكربون لدورة الحياة (TLCCE) وإجمالي مدخلات تكلفة دورة الحياة (TLCCI). ومع ذلك، تجدر الإشارة إلى أنه يمكن مراجعة المنهجية المقترحة للتعامل مع تكوينات الشبكة الأخرى التي لم يتم تناولها صراحة في هذه الورقة. يمكن القيام بذلك من خلال استخدام البيانات والافتراضات ذات الصلة الخاصة بكل تكوين شبكة. تظهر نتائج دراسة الحالة أن حالة التكلفة الدنيا توفر تكوينًا صافيًا مثاليًا مع TLCCE و TLCCI يتراوح من -0.02 كجم من مكافئ ثاني أكسيد الكربون إلى 100.28 كجم من مكافئ ثاني أكسيد الكربون و 23.99 دولارًا أمريكيًا/ميجاوات في الساعة إلى 1466.70 دولارًا أمريكيًا/ميجاوات في الساعة، على التوالي. من حيث تحليل دورة الحياة، يظهر DACCS TLCCI مواتية من 23.99 USD/MWh و TLCCE من -0.02 kgCO2eq/MWh. من ناحية أخرى، يؤدي تقليل انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون إلى زيادة TLCCI بنسبة 7 ٪ إلى 17 ٪ في السيناريو 2 و 3 ولكن لا يزال من الممكن ملاحظة اتجاه مماثل في كل نظام فرعي. وقد أثبت هذا أن التكلفة الأعلى مطلوبة في حالة تقليل انبعاثات ثاني أكسيد الكربون إلى الحد الأدنى.

Abstract This paper explores the role and implications of bio-energy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) for addressing the climate change mitigation challenge. Framed within the context of the latest emissions budgets, and their associated uncertainty, we present a summary of the contribution of BECCS within the Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) scenarios used by the climate change community. Within this discussion we seek to shed light on two important areas. Firstly, that BECCS is a central, but often hidden element of many of the modelling work that underpins climate policy from the global to the national scale. The second area we address are the assumptions for BECCS embedded within IAM models, and the wider system consequences of these implied levels of deployment. In light of these challenges, we question whether BECCS can deliver what is anticipated of it within existing climate change policy.

Biomass-based power generation combined with CO2 capture and storage (Biopower CCS) currently represents one of the few practical and economic means of removing large quantities of CO2 from the atmosphere, and the only approach that involves the generation of electricity at the same time. We present the results of the Techno-Economic Study of Biomass to Power with CO2 capture (TESBiC) project, that entailed desk-based review and analysis, process engineering, optimisation as well as primary data collection from some of the leading pilot demonstration plants. From the perspective of being able to deploy Biopower CCS by 2050, twenty-eight Biopower CCS technology combinations involving combustion or gasification of biomass (either dedicated or co-fired with coal) together with pre-, oxy- or post-combustion CO2 capture were identified and assessed. In addition to the capital and operating costs, techno-economic characteristics such as electrical efficiencies (LHV% basis), Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE), costs of CO2 captured and CO2 avoided were modelled over time assuming technology improvements from today to 2050. Many of the Biopower CCS technologies gave relatively similar techno-economic results when analysed at the same scale, with the plant scale (MWe) observed to be the principal driver of CAPEX (£/MWe) and the cofiring % (i.e. the weighted feedstock cost) a key driver of LCOE. The data collected during the TESBiC project also highlighted the lack of financial incentives for generation of electricity with negative CO2 emissions.

AbstractThis paper first focuses on the environmental benefits of the CCS system applied to a bio-ethanol distillery before estimating its feasibility under geological and economic constraints.First, the calculation of CO2 balance in this application shows that the introduction of CO2 capture and sto rage in biomass energy systems (B-CCS) can si gnificantly increase the CO2 abat ement potential of the system and even leads to negative carbon emissions. Besides, a preliminary geological investigation reveals that the studied area has a good storage potential although the presence of major faults, while the low capture costs of CO2 from biomass fermentation emphasize the economic potential o f such a solution.