In a groundbreaking study published in the journal *Energies*, researchers have shed new light on the potential cost savings of integrating carbon capture and storage (CCS) into the decarbonization of the U.S. power sector. The study, led by Ivonne Peña Cabra of the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, compares two decarbonization pathways for two major regional transmission organizations (RTOs): Midcontinent Independent System Operator-North (MISO-N) and Southwest Power Pool (SPP) RTO West.
The research estimates the total system costs (TSC) of achieving near-complete decarbonization by 2049, using data from 2019 as a baseline. Pathway A focuses on replacing fossil energy-fired thermal power plants with variable renewable energy (VRE) technologies, such as wind and solar, coupled with energy storage (ES) systems. Pathway B, on the other hand, explores the impact of retrofitting existing fossil fuel-fired units with CCS technology, in addition to integrating VRE and ES.
The findings are striking. “Including CCS technologies in the path to decarbonization has a significant benefit from a system cost perspective,” Peña Cabra explains. The study reveals that Pathway B, which incorporates CCS, is significantly more cost-effective than Pathway A. For MISO-N, the TSCs range from USD 1279 billion under Pathway A to USD 910 billion under Pathway B. Similarly, for SPP RTO West, Pathway A TSCs start at USD 230 billion, while Pathway B TSCs cap at USD 153 billion.
Perhaps most compelling is the dramatic reduction in the cost of avoided carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions when CCS is included. Without CCS, the cost per ton of CO₂ avoided ranges from USD 124 to 489 for MISO-N and USD 248 to 552 for SPP RTO West. With CCS, these costs plummet by 29–87%, with mid-point estimates suggesting a 73% reduction. This translates to costs between USD 64 and 114 per ton for MISO-N and USD 74 and 164 per ton for SPP RTO West.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. “These differences highlight the need for consideration of all low-carbon-intensive technology options in cost-optimal approaches to deep decarbonization and the value of CCS technologies in the energy transition,” Peña Cabra emphasizes. The study underscores the potential for CCS to play a pivotal role in achieving decarbonization goals while maintaining system reliability and minimizing costs.
As the energy sector grapples with the challenges of transitioning to a low-carbon future, this research offers a compelling case for the inclusion of CCS in decarbonization strategies. The findings suggest that CCS could be a game-changer, offering substantial cost savings and making deep decarbonization more achievable. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, this study provides valuable insights that could shape future developments and policy decisions in the quest for a sustainable energy future.