Integrating Optimal Solutions for Low-Cost Alternative Energy and CO₂ Integration Networks

Among the different existing options for greenhouse emissions reduction, transforming the energy systems through implementing low CO2 emissions technologies and managing the produced CO₂ emissions through capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) are considered substantial for achieving the required reduction targets. Different decision support methodologies have been proposed to provide guidance for planning by determining the cheapest pathways that achieve the desired level of reduction. However, such approaches usually focus on one of the reduction pathways, thus, lacking the ability to investigate the synergies between all the available options. The objective of this work is to address the gap by providing a decision-support methodology that considers the available energy options, CO₂ management options, and their interactions to yield low-cost CO₂ reduction solutions for a given emissions reduction target. Previous literature provided optimization models for minimizing the costs of CO₂ reduction options whether through energy systems approach, or through CO₂ integration networks. This work builds on the findings of such studies to propose an integrated framework that incorporates the optimization results to minimize the cost of integrated CO₂ reduction systems considering simultaneously CCUS, energy systems, and further CO₂-reducing technologies. The proposed approach is illustrated through a case study which considers different CO₂ emitting sources, CO₂ utilization technologies, and renewable energy options. The application demonstrates the importance of considering the ultimate CO₂ reduction target in selecting the optimal pathways. It was shown that capturing CO₂ from power plants can result in savings for moderate reduction targets, however, high CO₂ reduction requires full implementation of renewable energy options to achieve significant savings. Such insights are valuable for planners and policy makers interested in achieving cost-efficient emissions mitigation. Hence, the method is applicable for analyzing decarbonization strategies on local, regional, and national scales.