Zhejiang Province is facing a significant challenge as it strives to meet its ambitious “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” goals. A recent research review published in the journal Southern Energy Construction highlights the critical role that carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technology can play in this transition, particularly given the province’s heavy reliance on coal-fired power generation.
Led by Chenglong Hou from the Electric Power Research Institute of State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power Co., Ltd., the study examines various aspects of CCUS technology, including CO2 capture, transportation, utilization, and storage. The review underscores that CCUS is essential for the low-carbon utilization of fossil fuels, positioning it as a key component of the energy sector’s technological framework in Zhejiang.
Zhejiang has established a solid technical foundation in CCUS, particularly in CO2 capture. The province is home to numerous demonstration projects that utilize a variety of processes, such as pre-combustion and post-combustion capture for CO2 capture, and several methods for CO2 utilization, including biological, mineral, and chemical pathways. Geological storage is also being explored as a viable option for storing captured carbon.
However, the study identifies several challenges that could impede the growth of CCUS technology in the region. These include varying technology readiness levels across the CCUS process chain, high initial capital and operational costs, and the geographically dispersed nature of potential industrial clusters. “Technology readiness level differs largely across the process chain,” notes Hou, emphasizing the need for a more integrated approach to CCUS development.
The commercial implications of this research are significant for the energy sector in Zhejiang. As the province looks to reduce its carbon footprint, there are opportunities for businesses to invest in CCUS technologies and develop innovative solutions that can drive down costs and improve efficiency. Moreover, the establishment of industrial clusters focused on CCUS could foster collaboration and accelerate technological advancements.
To overcome the existing challenges, the study suggests promoting CCUS integration projects tailored to local conditions, leveraging Zhejiang’s unique potential and the availability of CO2 sources and storage sites. Continuous investment in research and development, alongside supportive policies and business models, will be crucial for advancing CCUS technology in the province.
As Zhejiang moves forward in its quest for a greener future, the insights from this research review published in Southern Energy Construction could serve as a vital roadmap for stakeholders in the energy sector, guiding them toward a more sustainable and low-carbon economy.
