Overview of CCU Technology Types Assessment Study for 1.5 MWth Biomass District Heating Plant in Ottawa, Ontario

In a series of three case study reports on biomass combustion with carbon capture and storage or utilisation, the strategic research programme on Bioenergy Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (BECCUS) investigated the the most suitable options for a small biomass district heating demonstration plant.

As a reference facility, subject of the underlying case study report, the 1.5 MWth Biomass District Heating Plant in Ottawa, Ontario has been further assessed when adding a carbon capture plant to the site and considering different options for utilizing the biogenic carbon. The assessment performed by Natural Resources Canada and took into account the technology readiness of capture technologies and utilization.

An initial technology scan identified nearly 50 CCU technologies (20 post-combustion capture, 21 utilization, and 7 combined capture and utilization). These technologies were ranked according to their technology readiness level (TRL). Carbon capture technologies were required to achieve at least TRL 7 (system prototype demonstration in operational environment) while CO₂ utilization technologies were required to achieve at least TRL 6 (technology demonstrated in relevant environment). The assessment study considered oxy-combustion, chemical looping combustion and cryogenic carbon capture under capture technology options.

In terms of technology development, amine capture technology has been demonstrated for CO₂ capture from natural gas or coal (TRL 8 – 9, respectively system completed and qualified and actual system proven in an operational environment), but less for biomass flue gas (TRL 7). TRL for all other capture technology types was identified at a maximum of TRL 7 with greater potential of reaching higher TRL levels soon.

For all technology types assessed, additional power consumption was associated with CO₂ capture. Adsorption and absorption technology types require additional steam for regenerating adsorbent or solvent, while hot water is likely sufficient for regenerating carbon capture media for non-amine-based technology type.

The detailed technology option analysis study performed by Natural Resources Canada concluded that capture technology options exist that can meet the CO₂ target for the reference facility, Confederation Heights wood chips district heating and cooling demonstration plant. These capture technologies will require additional power consumption, and heat integration of new facilities with the current plant. CO₂ capture technology options are not expected to bring additional complexities to the operation of the existing plant.

Key findings

• The detailed technology options analysis conducted by Natural Resources Canada concluded that viable CO₂ capture technologies exist that can achieve the target capture rates. However, implementation of these technologies will require additional power consumption and careful heat integration of new facilities with the existing plant systems.
• The deployment of CO₂ capture will involve substantial capital investment as well as increased operations and maintenance costs.
• Significant reduction in CO₂ emissions from the facility are expected and incorporating this mitigation potential into project planning will support achieving climate goals.

This report has been drafted by Task 32 (Biomass Combustion) as a contribution to the IEA Bioenergy Inter-Task Project (ITP) Management of biogenic CO2: BECCUS Phase 2, Lead by Task 40 (Deployment of Biogenic Value Chains and Carbon Management)

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About the BECCUS project

Within IEA Bioenergy TCP the topic of Bioenergy Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage is investigated with the involvement of many working Groups (Tasks) – coordinated by Task 40 (Deployment of biogenic value chains and carbon management) – in an integral project of strategic relevance. In the years 2019-2021 the ‘Deployment of BECCUS value chains’-project was executed to understand the opportunities for, and obstacles to, deployment of BECCUs in different sectors. The project focused on determining factors for successful deployment, such as technology readiness levels, business model validities and designs of policy and regulatory framework.

In the second phase, the ‘BECCUS 2’-project is more diverse in scope, with stronger emphasis on cross-sector and cross-country learning about the implementation of BECCUS projects , using different energy conversion processes. The project also explores the effects of integrating BECCUSS facilities and systems within the overall energy system and, last but not least assesses the important differences between utilisation of captured carbon and storage of capture carbon.