Cost estimation of CCS integration into thermal power plants in Japan

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an important technical option to reduce CO2 emissions and chemical absorption by amine solutions is the most mature post-combustion carbon capture technology. Reducing costs is critical to accelerate large-scale deployment of CCS. Cost estimates of CCS vary markedly depending on the CO2 capture performance, CO2 transport method, characteristics of CO2 storage site, and the like. This study estimated the cost of CCS by amine-based CO2 capture integration into thermal power plants in Japan. The thermal power plant system with CO2 capture process was modeled on a process simulator, and CO2 capture cost was calculated based on the modelling results. The CCS chain feasible in Japan at this time is transportation by ship and injection onshore into subseafloor storage sites. Transport cost was estimated via bottom-up analysis of each transportation sub-process. Injection cost was based on the values reported by the Tomakomai demonstration project. In total, transport and storage costs were roughly equivalent to capture costs. Full chain CCS implementation is likely necessary to markedly reduce costs through learning-by-doing.