Research Review of CO2 Capture, Utilization and Storage Technology in Zhejiang Province

[Introduction] The green and low-carbon transformation and industrial restructuring under the premise of energy security is a serious challenge faced by Zhejiang Province to achieve its "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality" goals. Given the high proportion of coal-fired power generation in Zhejiang, carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology, as an important choice to realize the low-carbon utilization of fossil energy, is vital to the "double carbon" technology system in the energy sector and industrial circle of the province. [Method] This paper presents a research review of CCUS technology from multiple aspects, including CO2 capture, transportation, utilization and storage, and introduces the development of CCUS demonstration projects in Zhejiang. This study summarizes the features of the major technologies throughout the full CCUS chain, and briefly analyzes the existing challenges amid the ongoing technological advancements. Besides, the prospect of CCUS technology in Zhejiang is explored along with corresponding suggestions. [Result] Zhejiang boasts a solid technical foundation in the field of CCUS, especially in CO2 capture, and has numerous full-chain demonstration projects employing various process routes, including pre-combustion and post-combustion capture (CO2 capture), biological, mineral, and chemical utilization (CO2 utilization), as well as geological storage (CO2 storage). However, technology readiness level differs largely across the process chain, in addition to other challenges, such as small scale, generally high initial capital and operating costs, and dispersed spatial distribution, which hinder the development of industrial clusters. [Conclusion] It is important to promote CCUS integration projects to adapt to local conditions, based on a thorough understanding of Zhejiang's potential and source/sink conditions related to CCUS in key areas. Additionally, continuous investment in technological research and development is necessary, along with guarantees in terms of incentive mechanisms, policies, regulations, and business models.