In the heart of China’s Shengli Oilfield, a groundbreaking carbon capture project is setting new benchmarks for the energy sector. The initiative, spearheaded by Shijian Lu from the Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Coal-based Greenhouse Gas Control and Utilization at China University of Mining and Technology, has successfully captured and processed 1 million tons of CO2 annually, demonstrating both technical and economic viability.
The project, detailed in a study published in the journal *Nature Scientific Reports*, focuses on capturing CO2 from the coal gas of the second chemical fertilizer plant of the Qilu Petrochemical Company. The process involves a compression-condensation-purification cycle, utilizing molecular sieves for drying and MellapakPlus™ structured packing for purification. “The integration of these technologies has significantly enhanced the efficiency of our capture process,” Lu explained.
One of the standout features of this project is its innovative approach to energy savings. The team implemented a lithium bromide refrigerator unit to recover waste heat for cooling and an expansion generator unit to recover pressure energy from the tail gas. These advancements not only reduce energy consumption but also lower operational costs, making the project more economically attractive.
The economic analysis revealed that the total investment for CO2 capture was approximately CNY 380 million, with a payback period of 9.20 years. The sales price of the captured CO2 was estimated at 194.4 CNY per ton at a yield of 8%. “The economic feasibility of this project underscores the potential for large-scale carbon capture initiatives in the energy sector,” Lu noted.
The comprehensive energy consumption per unit of the capture process was calculated at 2.649 GJ per ton of CO2, highlighting the project’s efficiency. The careful planning of the project layout and land area further optimized the operational aspects, ensuring smooth implementation and scalability.
This pioneering project in China’s Shengli Oilfield not only demonstrates the technical and economic viability of large-scale carbon capture but also sets a precedent for future developments in the field. As the energy sector continues to grapple with the challenges of reducing carbon emissions, such initiatives offer a promising path forward. The insights gained from this project could shape the future of carbon capture technologies, making them more accessible and economically viable for widespread adoption.