Title: Integrating Algae with Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (ABECCS) Increases Sustainability

Abstract

Bioenergy carbon capture and storage (BECCS) has been proposed to reduce atmospheric CO₂ concentrations, but concerns remain about competition for arable land and freshwater. The synergistic integration of algae production, which does not require arable land or freshwater, with BECCS (called “ABECCS”) can reduce CO₂ emissions without competing with agriculture. This study presents a technoeconomic and life-cycle assessment for colocating a 121-ha algae facility with a 2,680-ha eucalyptus forest for BECCS. The eucalyptus biomass fuels combined heat and power (CHP) generation with subsequent amine-based carbon capture and storage (CCS). A portion of the captured CO₂ is used for growing algae and the remainder is sequestered. Biomass combustion supplies CO₂, heat, and electricity, thus increasing the range of sites suitable for algae cultivation. Economic, energetic, and environmental impacts are considered. The system yields as much protein as soybeans while generating 61.5 TJ of electricity and sequestering 29,600 t of CO₂ per year. More energy is generated than consumed and the freshwater footprint is roughly equal to that for soybeans. Financial break-even is achieved for product value combinations that include 1) algal biomass sold for $$\$$1,400$/t (fishmeal replacement) with a $$\$$68$/t carbon credit and 2) algal biomass sold for $$\$$600$/t (soymeal replacement) with a $$\$$278$/t carbon credit. Sensitivity analysis shows significant reductions to the cost of carbon sequestration are possible. The ABECCS system represents a unique technology for negative emissions without reducing protein production or increasing water demand, and should therefore be included in the suite of technologies being considered to address global sustainability.

Authors:

Beal, Colin M.  ^[1];

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Archibald, Ian ^[2]; Huntley, Mark E. ^[3]; Greene, Charles H. ^[4]; Johnson, Zackary I. ^[5]

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+ Show Author Affiliations

1. College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management University of Hawaii at Hilo Hilo HI USA, B&,D Engineering and Consulting LLC Lander WY USA
2. College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management University of Hawaii at Hilo Hilo HI USA, Cinglas Ltd Chester UK
3. College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management University of Hawaii at Hilo Hilo HI USA, Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering Cornell University Ithaca NY USA, Biology Department and Marine Laboratory Duke University Beaufort NC USA
4. College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resource Management University of Hawaii at Hilo Hilo HI USA, Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Cornell University Ithaca NY USA
5. Biology Department and Marine Laboratory Duke University Beaufort NC USA

Publication Date:

Sat Mar 24 00:00:00 EDT 2018

Research Org.:

Duke Univ., Durham, NC (United States); B&D Engineering and Consulting LLC, Lander, WY (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1429519

Alternate Identifier(s):

OSTI ID: 1429522; OSTI ID: 1508369; OSTI ID: 1897645

Grant/Contract Number:  

DE‐EE0007091; EE0007091

Resource Type:

Published Article

Journal Name:

Earth's Future

Additional Journal Information:

Journal Name: Earth's Future Journal Volume: 6 Journal Issue: 3; Journal ID: ISSN 2328-4277

Publisher:

American Geophysical Union (AGU)

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

09 BIOMASS FUELS; bioenergy carbon capture and storage; BECCS; algae; carbon capture and storage; global protein production; greenhouse gases