Energy Generation Cost Without and With CO2 Capture for Power Plants

Abstract

This work addresses the National Strategic Program on Energy Transition, of the Energy Sector Program 2020–2024, Mexican Energy Ministry. The Energy Transition states, "Reach a level of energy consumption that is sustainable in the long term and that contributes globally to the mitigation of climate change and energy sovereignty." To answer the statement, it is necessary to mitigate the production of CO2, as the main greenhouse gas, constantly emitted by power plants, by the combustion of fossils, and a primary source of energy. The CO2 capture process is energy intensive, so its study and search for the optimization of mass transfer, energy parameters and cost analysis are necessary for its widespread application. In the context of climate change mitigation, CO2 capture and sequestration (CCS), as well as its possible long-term storage, or preferably its use (CCUS), represent a technological route to neutralize CO2 emissions without leaving to use fossil fuels, during a period in which these fuels are replaced or their use rationalized by means of energy efficiency improvement methods. The objective of this work is to analyze the investment in electricity generation without and with CO2 capture process in three power plants in Mexico: Natural Gas Boiler, Open Cycle Natural Gas Turbine Boiler and Coal Boiler. Efficiency and cost results are presented in production by energy use in power plants; as well as experimental and theorical results for the capture of CO2 considering post-combustion technology by chemical absorption, with 30% Monoethanolamine in aqueous solution, and ININ 18 structured packing. With CO2 capture process, it was reduced 9.7%, meaning 596.0 kt/y for for natural gas boilers, 9.8% with 607.5 kt/year captured for gas turbine technology; and 9.9% with 2029 kt/year for coal. For the Energy Transition, by capturing CO2, the costs would increase by 14% with capture, on net power of 153 MW for a natural gas boiler; 4.5%, on 228 MW for the gas turbine boiler; and it is even reduced to 2%, on 302 MW for coal.