Environmental and economic assessment of carbon capture and utilization at coal-fired power plant in Thailand

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2023-08, Vol.414, p.137595, Article 137595
• Main Authors: Win, Shwe Yi, Opaprakasit, Pakorn, Papong, Seksan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU); Decarbonization; Economic analysis; Formic acid; Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); Methanol
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.137595

Immense decarbonization from power generation plants has been aware of to achieve net zero targets with clean energy transition. Applying life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to the studies of coal-fired power plants with carbon capture and utilization technology helps to evaluate and avoid the potential environmental risks. In this study, carbon dioxide emissions are captured from 655 MW ultra-supercritical (USC) Mae Moh coal-fired power plant in Thailand and then utilized it in alternative CO2-based methanol and CO2-based formic acid productions. According to the environmental and economic analyses of the alternative CO2-based productions compared to the conventional productions, higher environmental impact and costs are resulted at 6 out 8 investigated impacts with 1227 US$ per ton of CO2-based methanol production and 2 out of those with 1044 US$ per ton of CO2-based formic acid production. •LCA and cost analysis of methanol and formic acid from CO2 captured were performed.•LCA and cost analysis help support the decision-maker in decarbonization.•Sensitivity of carbon-based products had been analyzed.