A tool for integrated multi-criteria assessment of the CCS value chain

Abstract

BIGCCS Centre is an international research center aiming at extending and releasing the potential for large scale deployment of CO2 capture and storage. A consistent and transparent methodology and tool, called iCCS, was developed in BIGCCS SP4 as one of the measures aimed at bringing CCS closer to commercial realization. iCCS allows critical evaluation of CCS chains with respect to multiple techno-economic and environmental criteria. The tool has modular structure and enables the user to build different CCS chain configurations from capture, transport and storage modules available in the tool library. This makes it possible to simulate a large number of CCS chains and to compare them in a consistent manner. The philosophy of this methodology and the tool developed are presented in this work and is illustrated through case studies; for example to compare different capture, transport or storage cases, as well as for a full chain analysis. This paper presents a list of case studies performed under the BIGCCS framework and brings together the results of three latest studies. Two of these studies focus on comparison of technologies for CO2 capture from a) an Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle, and b) a coal fired power plant and a cement plant. The third case study looks at valuation of CO2 for Enhanced Oil Recovery. The presented case studies illustrate how the methodology and tool could be used to provide support for technology selection. Additionally, the tool allows smart design and operation of CCS chains and thereby enables selection of most suitable CCS chain configurations for specific cases with respect to techno-economic and environmental impacts.