Role of CCUS in carbon neutral power system

Abstract

Achieving carbon neutrality by 2060 is an ambitious goal to promote the green transition of economy and society in China. Highly relying on coal and contributing nearly half of CO2 emission, power industry is the key area for reaching carbon-neutral goal. On basis of carbon balance, a criterial equation of carbon neutral for power system is provided. By means of the equation, the different effects of three technical approaches to achieve carbon neutrality, including energy efficiency improvement, shifting energy structure and CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology, had been evaluated. The results indicate that building a carbon-neutral power system requires comprehensive coordination between energy efficiency, renewable energy and CCUS technology. In particular, the unique role of CCUS in achieving carbon neutral target was investigated. For any power systems with fossil energy input, CCUS and negative emission technologies is indispensable to reach carbon neutrality. However, rather high energy consumption and costs is the critical gas deterring the large scale deployment of CCUS. Considering the specific conditions of China’s power industry, before the time window between 2030 and 2040 being closed, CCUS would either be ready for large scale deployment by reducing energy consumption and costs, or be phased out along with the most coal power plants. Conclusively, carbon neutral scenario will give CCUS the last chance to decarbonize the fossil fuel, which has great significance for China.