Finding New Opportunities for Carbon Capture with CO2NCORD

Abstract

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a potential strategy for mitigating carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and combating climate change. This study investigates CCS opportunities across the contiguous United States by 1) identifying CO₂ emissions from across all U.S. industrial sectors that are readily capturable by amine-based carbon capture technology and 2) identifying the associated costs per tonne CO₂ captured. Using the CO₂ National Capture Opportunities and Readiness Database (CO₂NCORD), capturable CO₂ emissions across the U.S. are estimated and calculated using a variety of data sources. Cost per tonne is estimated using CO₂NCORD’s techno-economic models specific to the industry, fuel burned, and estimated CO₂ content of each capturable CO₂ stream. The techno-economic models apply state-specific energy costs and water availability, and industry- and stream-specific capacity factors. This analysis investigates regional and industrial disparities in capturable emissions and costs. Additionally, it highlights facilities and sectors with emissions capturable below the U.S. 45Q tax credit amount of $85/tonne. An annual total of 2,482 million tonnes of capturable CO₂ from 7,591 U.S. facilities was identified. Of this capturable CO₂, 86% was found to be capturable below $175/tonne, and 854 million tonnes were found to be capturable below $85/tonne.