Core Research Projects: Systems & Policy, CA1 – BECCS within the energy system

Why is this research needed?

In order to meet the Paris climate target, we need to remove significant amounts of CO₂ from the atmosphere, with bioenergy plus CCS (BECCS) considered a promising option. However, sustainable biomass is a scarce resource, and must be used in the best manner possible. This work will study how biomass can optimally be used to both remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and simultaneously provide renewable energy services.

What is this research investigating?

Building on detailed (first principles) technical modelling of oxy- and amine-BECCS^[1] and drawing on the work in AC1 BECCS, we conduct a socio-techno-economic analysis of the potential role for BECCS in the larger energy system. We will use optimisation techniques to assess how to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere at the least cost and identify the preferred design and configurations across net negative options including BECCS.

Thermal plant tends to get displaced by intermittent renewables – but an idle BECCS plant is of little value; so the question is how to extract the maximum value from a BECCS plant? We will evaluate using BECCS to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere via baseload operation, and storing the electricity via H₂ production. We will seek to address some critical questions: What is the best (e.g., least cost per tCO₂ removed from the atmosphere) way to achieve this? Is the best option pulverised fuel thermal plant collocated and integrated with electrolysis (for example, an oxy-CCS plant could use the H₂), or a BIGCC-CCS plant? What is the best use of carbon-negative H₂ (heating, transport, chemicals)? What are the technical constraints of injection into the gas network? How can BECCS be integrated into a renewable energy system: BECCS plants will need to operate within a decarbonised system that will include a greater degree of electrification of the energy system and greater penetration of renewable energy sources than is currently the case. We will explore how BECCS plant can best operate within a system that minimises time that BECCS plant are idle, for example linking baseload electricity for energy storage (for example, generating hydrogen) for alternative end uses. We will also work closely with successful projects under the current NERC/EPSRC/ESRC GGR call and meet with relevant projects at an early stage to ensure engagement and coordination of activities.

^[1] Mac Dowell, N. and Staffell, I. 2016, Int. J. Greenh. Gas Control 48, 327-344

What does the research hope to achieve?

We will build on the work in WP AC1 but broaden the analysis to consider the impact of BECCS on the wider energy system including integration with renewables.