Project Overview
Carbon Solutions, in collaboration with the Clean Air Task Force (CATF), conducted a comprehensive assessment of the potential deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies across the U.S. natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) and coal-fired power plant fleets. Utilizing the proprietary SimCCSᴾᴿᴼ toolset, the project evaluated the feasibility, economic viability, and infrastructure needs for integrating CCS into the existing power generation network. The study focused on identifying optimal pathways for CCS implementation, balancing capture costs, transportation logistics, and storage availability in saline aquifers. By modeling multiple deployment scenarios, the research provided insights into the role of CCS in reducing emissions from existing power plants and supporting the broader decarbonization goals of the energy sector.
Purpose and Findings
The primary objective of this project was to determine the most efficient strategies for deploying CCS at scale while minimizing costs and maximizing regional storage opportunities. The analysis revealed that distributed storage—where captured CO₂ is sequestered in local geological formations rather than transported to centralized hubs—offers the most cost-effective and scalable approach. Under various carbon price and policy assumptions, the study demonstrated that intraregional CO₂ storage solutions can reduce the need for extensive national trunkline infrastructure, leading to lower overall costs and fewer logistical challenges. Additionally, the project highlighted key storage hubs and infrastructure requirements necessary to achieve large-scale carbon capture deployment across different regions.
Results and Impact
Through rigorous scenario modeling and GIS-based infrastructure analysis, the project produced critical data layers, economic assessments, and actionable insights for policymakers, utilities, and industry stakeholders. The findings emphasized that while centralized carbon storage hubs may offer economies of scale, they require significantly higher pipeline investments, making distributed storage a more practical solution for widespread CCS adoption. The project’s results contribute to ongoing discussions on CCS policy and funding mechanisms, providing a data-driven foundation for future energy infrastructure planning. Carbon Solutions continues to refine its modeling tools and collaborate with stakeholders to advance CCS deployment strategies that align with national decarbonization objectives.
