Process safety in bioenergy with carbon capture and storage systems (BECCS)

Abstract

In response to the climate crisis, the United States has embarked on an ambitious program to achieve 100% carbon-free electricity generation by 2035 and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The implementation of bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) systems is an essential component of that strategy. BECCS is broadly defined as the utilization of biomass energy (from the processing of solids, liquids, or vapors) with the capture of carbon dioxide and subsequent permanent storage in a deep geological formation. There are numerous potential technologies and flowsheets for implementing BECCS, and the supply chains rely upon support from the agricultural, forestry, and solid waste industries. Inherent in BECCS systems are the hazards associated with combustible dusts, spontaneous ignition and smoldering of combustible solids, flammable liquids, flammable vapors and gases, toxic gases, and more. For BECCS to be deployed commercially across the United States, it is imperative that process safety risks are controlled. A risk-based process safety (RBPS) program can help manage the risks of a BECCS facility and minimize process safety incidents. In this paper, we present two representative bioenergy technologies as mini-case studies to illustrate the range of process hazards encountered. Process safety strategies required by regulation are briefly reviewed and potential gaps are identified. We then demonstrate how RBPS can be implemented in a practical and effective manner to fill the gaps.