Effect of the Implementation of Carbon Capture Systems on the Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance of the Brazilian Electricity Matrix

Claudia Cristina Sanchez Moore and Luiz Kulay
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Claudia Cristina Sanchez Moore: Chemical Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 580, Bloco 18—Conjunto das Químicas, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
Luiz Kulay: Chemical Engineering Department, Polytechnic School, University of Sao Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes, 580, Bloco 18—Conjunto das Químicas, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil

Energies, 2019, vol. 12, issue 2, 1-18

Abstract: This study examined the effect of Carbon Capture and Storage units on the environmental, energy and economic performance of the Brazilian electric grid. Four scenarios were established considering the coupling of Calcium Looping (CaL) processes to capture CO 2 emitted from thermoelectric using coal and natural gas: S1: the current condition of the Brazilian grid; S2 and S3: Brazilian grid with CaL applied individually to coal (TEC) and gas (TGN) operated thermoelectric; and S4: CaL is simultaneously coupled to both sources. Global warming potential (GWP) expressed the environmental dimension, Primary Energy Demand (PED) was the energy indicator and Levelised Cost of Energy described the economic range. Attributional Life Cycle Assessment for generation of 1.0 MWh was applied in the analysis. None of the scenarios accumulated the best indexes in all dimensions. Regarding GWP, S4 totals the positive effects of using CaL to reduce CO 2 from TEC and TGN, but the CH 4 emissions increased due to its energy requirements. As for PED, S1 and S2 are similar and presented higher performances than S3 and S4. The price of natural gas compromises the use of CaL in TGN. A combined verification of the three analysis dimensions, proved that S2 was the best option of the series due to the homogeneity of its indices. The installation of CaL in TECs and TGNs was effective to capture and store CO 2 emissions, but the costs of this system should be reduced and its energy efficiency still needs to be improved.

Keywords: electricity production; carbon capture; calcium looping; life cycle assessment; GHG mitigation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (5)

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