Reducing emissions with carbon capture & storage

Posted: October 22, 2024

Industrial processes still account for about two-thirds of power generation, and that makes the energy industry alone responsible for nearly 40% of global energy-related emissions.

To meet the Paris Agreement's goal, emissions from the power sector must be reduced. But how? Shutting down power plants isn’t an option. We must find a way to reduce emissions while still providing the electricity that the world needs.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) helps mitigate the environmental impact of power generation using fossil fuels like coal and natural gas. This technology plays a crucial role in the climate effort by allowing for the continued use of existing infrastructure while dramatically reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Various carbon sequestration methods include:

1. Post-combustion capture
2. Pre-combustion capture
3. Oxy-fuel combustion

Once captured, CO₂ can be:

• Stored in deep geological formations.
• Used in enhanced oil recovery.
• Converted into useful products through carbon capture utilization processes.

Each of these methods offers unique advantages and can be used in various power plants and industrial facilities. Carbon capture technology can reduce CO2 emissions from power plants by up to 90%, making it a highly effective tool for climate change mitigation. Most importantly, retrofit solutions for CCUS exist that allow carbon capture technology to be implemented in existing fossil fuel power plants, extending their operational life while reducing emissions.

As we move towards a low-carbon future, carbon capture technology will play an increasingly significant role in providing dispatchable, low-carbon electricity while supporting system flexibility in power grids with high renewable energy penetration. This is where AVEVA comes in. AVEVA software plays a significant role in advancing carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies, helping industries reduce their carbon footprint and move toward their sustainability goals. Here's how AVEVA software is being utilized in this field:

Process simulation and modeling

AVEVA's process simulation tools are used to create accurate pilot models of carbon conversion facilities. In partnership with Airbridge, an Australian innovator, AVEVA's software was used to produce a detailed data model of a new carbon conversion facility. This model includes a detailed electrolyte thermodynamic simulation, allowing for precise predictions of chemical reactions and process outcomes.

Monitoring and analysis

AVEVA™ Edge provides crucial capabilities for CCUS projects. It collects cost-effective and scalable project process data from multiple sources. This data enables companies like Airbridge to monitor operations of their patented reactors. The collected data is displayed in AVEVA™ Insight, where it can be monitored and analyzed in the cloud or used to demonstrate and recommend technology solutions to interested parties, such as investors, industrial emitters, and government organizations.^[1]

Design optimization

AVEVA software contributes to more efficient and sustainable designs. Aker Carbon Capture uses AVEVA™ Unified Engineering in the cloud to create efficient and replicable designs for carbon capture units. In one instance, AVEVA™ Dynamic Simulation software ran a dynamic flare header simulation that reduced the size and volume of steel needed in headers by 34%, saving €20 million and boosting operational efficiency while minimizing carbon-intensive resource use.^[2]

Scalability and collaboration

AVEVA's solutions support scalability and collaboration in CCUS projects. The CONNECT industrial intelligence platform enables companies to scale their operations and collaborate effectively. For example, Neste, a producer of biodiesel, uses AVEVA™ Unified Supply Chain in the cloud to enable data intelligence and analytics for fast decision-making across over eighty sites.

Sustainability metrics and AI integration

AVEVA is working on integrating sustainability metrics and AI models into industrial systems. This integration helps organizations determine where sustainability adjustments can yield the greatest impact. The software can contribute to savings of 15-30% in energy costs and reduced CO2 emissions of 9-15%^.[3]

Conclusion:

By leveraging these various capabilities, AVEVA software is helping industries implement and optimize carbon capture and storage solutions, contributing to the global effort to combat climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

^{[1] McGurk, S. (2022). Decarbonizing industry with scalable carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) solution. AVEVA. https://resources.osisoft.com/presentations/decarbonizing-industry-with-scalable-carbon-capture--utilization-and-storage--ccusx-solution/
[2] Herwick, P. (2023, October 9). AVEVA supports industrial customers in accelerating climate targets. Industrial Software Solutions. https://industrial-software.com/community/news/aveva-supports-industrial-customers-in-accelerating-climate-targets/
[3] AVEVA. (2022). Sustainability report 2022. AVEVA. https://www.aveva.com/content/dam/aveva/documents/reports/AVV011_Sustainability%20Report_2022.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf}