Enhancing Success in Carbon Capture Integration With Existing Industrial Facilities: Electrical Challenges and Strategies

In a global effort to reduce carbon intensity, heavy industries are actively exploring methods to cut greenhouse gas emissions, with carbon capture emerging as a viable solution. The enactment of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 has made carbon capture economically feasible, thanks to enticing tax incentives aimed at curbing scope 1 emissions. Nonetheless, integrating new carbon capture units into existing industrial complexes presents mechanical, civil, electrical, and environmental challenges. This paper describes the electrical considerations of such projects, addressing hurdles and strategies. Emphasizing early engagement with utilities, it examines their role in managing project costs, schedules, and scopes. Key factors like power requirements, CO<sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> compressor sizing, and utility transformer procurement are crucial for seamless implementation. Furthermore, it shows the decision-making process concerning the main CO<sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sub> compressor, including various starting methods and voltage level selections that significantly impact project costs. Ultimately, this paper aims to provide an electrical perspective to aid in navigating the integration of carbon capture within existing industrial settings.