Investigation of the feasibility and efficiency of implementing carbon capture and storage technologies in downstream facilities: To mitigate greenhouse gas emissions

This research work investigates the feasibility and efficiency of implementing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technologies in Downstream Equipment such as in refining and processing, distribution and marketing, petrochemical production and retail sales as ways to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Considering the world is in urgent need to cut the emissions of greenhouse gases in order to deal with the challenge of climate change. Most mitigations have targeted carbon dioxide (CO₂), because it is the major agent in global warming. The research focuses on three primary CCS techniques: post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and oxy-fuel combustion. These technologies are unique because they stand out as the only technologies that permit the continued use of fossil fuel powered sources while reducing the amount of CO₂ from these sources. Post-combustion method is best suited for retrofitting existing power plants, its challenges of energy and operation costs would be addressed if there is advancement in chemistry solvent, process efficiency and integration with renewable sources. Pre-combustion method Capture CO2 with 90% efficiency and produces hydrogen as a clean fuel, its viable for new-build plants. Oxy-fuel combustion simplifies CO₂ capture by producing a pure CO₂ stream, also ideal for newly installed facilities. This research also discovered CCS applications in enhancing oil recovery, industries decarbonization, and limiting emissions in sectors necessary for CCS. High costs, infrastructure requirements, and regulatory needs, are few challenges. Each technology fits different need, but their economic viability would be to balance the cost, efficiency and suitability to existing or new installed facilities