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Carbon Capture Technologies for Sustainable Energy Production
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Carbon Capture Technologies for Sustainable Energy Production

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073). This special issue belongs to the section "B3: Carbon Emission and Utilization".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (23 May 2025) | Viewed by 9255

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Jose Ramon Fernandez

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Carbon Science and Technology Institute (INCAR-CSIC) Francisco Pintado Fe, 26, 33001 Oviedo, Spain
Interests: CO2 capture; CO2 sorption; low carbon technology; process design; process optimization; heterogeneous catalysis; chemical reaction engineering
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Despite the great progress of renewable energy sources, more than 80% of global primary energy use is currently fossil-based. Global energy-related CO2 emissions increased by nearly 1% in 2022, reaching an all‐time high of approximately 37 billion tonnes (Gt). It is necessary to achieve net zero CO2 emissions from the energy sector by 2050 in order to stabilize global average temperatures below 1.5 ºC and ensure they are above pre-industrial levels by 2100. In this context, in addition to improving energy efficiency, fuel switching to low-carbon sources and boosting renewable energy, carbon capture and storage or utilization is a critical area where accelerated action in the coming decades is crucial to accomplish the ambitious mitigation goals. Carbon capture is one of the fastest growing topics in sustainable chemistry and separations science, owing to the impacts that anthropogenic CO2 are having on the climate. Enormous efforts within the scientific community have widely focused on CO2 capture from large stationary sources such as electricity-generating power plants in order to minimize emissions. The capturing of CO2 from other industrial sources (e.g., cement, steel, refineries, etc.) and also from ambient air has attracted rapidly increasing attention. The use of the captured CO2 as feedstock to produce value-added products beyond a compressed pure gas for geological storage has also been an attractive topic for research. Many catalytic applications such as artificial photosynthesis, photocatalysis, synthesis of chemistry building blocks, fuels and pharmaceutical compounds have been proposed.

This Special Issue will compile selected publications elaborated by internationally renowned researchers on this multidisciplinary research field, covering novel advances in process optimization, modelling, reactor design and high-performance materials for the capture of CO2.

Dr. Jose Ramon Fernandez
Guest Editor

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • CO2 capture
  • energy
  • modelling
  • chemical reactor
  • efficiency
  • advanced materials

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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22 pages, 4226 KiB  
Article
Analysis of the Possibility of Using CO2 Capture in a Coal-Fired Power Plant
by Łukasz Mika and Karol Sztekler
Energies 2025, 18(9), 2387; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092387 - 7 May 2025
Viewed by 131
Abstract
Global trends in environmental protection place emphasis on the reduction of CO2 emissions, a key factor in the greenhouse effect. Commercial power generation, mainly based on coal, is the largest emitter of CO2, which justifies work on its reduction. Technologies [...] Read more.
Global trends in environmental protection place emphasis on the reduction of CO2 emissions, a key factor in the greenhouse effect. Commercial power generation, mainly based on coal, is the largest emitter of CO2, which justifies work on its reduction. Technologies involving CO2 capture from flue gases based on adsorption methods are not yet widely used, and therefore, there is a lack of complete data on their impact on power units. With the use of computer simulations, relevant information can be obtained, eliminating the need for costly tests on actual systems. A model of a reference power unit and CO2 separation system based on adsorption methods was developed in the IPSEpro environment. Simulations were carried out, analysing the impact of parameters such as temperature and pressure of the flue gas and of bled steam on the efficiency of the separation system. Optimal adsorption and desorption conditions were determined, and the separation model was then integrated into a power unit. The analysis of CO2 capture in power units indicates that while complete separation of CO2 from the flue gas of an 830 MWe unit is technically feasible, it results in substantial efficiency losses and high energy consumption. Capturing and liquefying CO2 leads to a power output reduction of approximately 358 MWe and a 15.4% decrease in efficiency. Simulation analyses allowed the impact of the CO2 capture system on the operation of the unit to be assessed and the amount of non-emitted gas to be estimated, thus reducing the environmental harm of the power plant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Capture Technologies for Sustainable Energy Production)
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28 pages, 9933 KiB  
Article
Enhancing CO2 Capture Efficiency: Advanced Modifications of Solvent-Based Absorption Process—Pilot Plant Insights
by Adam Tatarczuk, Tomasz Spietz, Lucyna Więcław-Solny, Aleksander Krótki, Tadeusz Chwoła, Szymon Dobras, Janusz Zdeb and Marek Tańczyk
Energies 2025, 18(9), 2236; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18092236 - 28 Apr 2025
Viewed by 387
Abstract
Since fossil fuels still dominate industry and electricity production, post-combustion carbon capture remains essential for decarbonizing these sectors. The most advanced technique for widespread application, particularly in hard-to-abate industries, is amine-based absorption. However, increasing energy efficiency is crucial for broader implementation. This study [...] Read more.
Since fossil fuels still dominate industry and electricity production, post-combustion carbon capture remains essential for decarbonizing these sectors. The most advanced technique for widespread application, particularly in hard-to-abate industries, is amine-based absorption. However, increasing energy efficiency is crucial for broader implementation. This study presents pilot-scale results from the Tauron Power Plant in Poland using a mobile CO2 capture unit (1 TPD). Two innovative process modifications—Split Flow (SF) and Heat Integrated Stripper (HIS)—were experimentally investigated; they achieved a 10% reduction in reboiler heat duty, reaching 2.82 MJ/kgCO2, along with a 36% decrease in overall heat losses and up to a 28% reduction in cross-flow heat exchanger duty. The analysis highlights both the advantages and challenges of these modifications. SF is easier to retrofit into existing plants, whereas the HIS requires more extensive modifications in the stripper section, thus making HIS more cost-effective for new installations. Moreover, as heat consumption constitutes the primary operational cost, even a moderate reduction in heat duty can lead to significant economic benefits. The HIS also offers substantial potential for thermal integration in industries with available waste heat streams. The pilot data underwent validation procedures to ensure reliability, which provides a robust foundation for process modeling, optimization, and scaling for industrial applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Capture Technologies for Sustainable Energy Production)
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26 pages, 2558 KiB  
Article
Biogenic CO2 Emissions in the EU Biofuel and Bioenergy Sector: Mapping Sources, Regional Trends, and Pathways for Capture and Utilisation
by Diogenis Christianides, Dimitra Antonia Bagaki, Rudolphus Antonius Timmers, Maja Berden Zrimec, Anastasia Theodoropoulou, Irini Angelidaki, Panagiotis Kougias, Guido Zampieri, Najla Kamergi, Alfredo Napoli, Dimitris Malamis, Sofia Mai and Elli Maria Barampouti
Energies 2025, 18(6), 1345; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18061345 - 10 Mar 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1357
Abstract
The European biofuel and bioenergy industry faces increasing challenges in achieving sustainable energy production while meeting carbon neutrality targets. This study provides a detailed analysis of biogenic emissions from biofuel and bioenergy production, with a focus on key sectors such as biogas, biomethane, [...] Read more.
The European biofuel and bioenergy industry faces increasing challenges in achieving sustainable energy production while meeting carbon neutrality targets. This study provides a detailed analysis of biogenic emissions from biofuel and bioenergy production, with a focus on key sectors such as biogas, biomethane, bioethanol, syngas, biomass combustion, and biomass pyrolysis. Over 18,000 facilities were examined, including their feedstocks, production processes, and associated greenhouse gas emissions. The results highlight forestry residues as the predominant feedstock and expose significant disparities in infrastructure and technology adoption across EU Member States. While countries like Sweden and Germany lead in emissions management and carbon capture through bioenergy production with carbon capture and storage systems (BECCS), other regions face deficiencies in bioenergy infrastructure. The findings underscore the potential of BECCS and similar carbon management technologies to achieve negative emissions and support the European Green Deal’s climate neutrality goals. This work serves as a resource for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, fostering informed strategies for the sustainable advancement of the biofuels sector. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Capture Technologies for Sustainable Energy Production)
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18 pages, 2710 KiB  
Article
Decarbonization of Blast Furnace Gases Using a Packed Bed of Ca-Cu Solids in a New TRL7 Pilot
by Jose Ramon Fernandez, Monica Alonso, Alberto Mendez, Miriam Diaz, Roberto Garcia, Marcos Cano, Irene Alzueta and Juan Carlos Abanades
Energies 2025, 18(3), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18030675 - 31 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1552
Abstract
This work outlines the commissioning and initial experiments from a new pilot plant at Arcelor Mittal Gas Lab (Asturias, Spain) designed to decarbonize up to 300 Nm3/h of blast furnace gas (BFG). This investigation intends to demonstrate for the first time [...] Read more.
This work outlines the commissioning and initial experiments from a new pilot plant at Arcelor Mittal Gas Lab (Asturias, Spain) designed to decarbonize up to 300 Nm3/h of blast furnace gas (BFG). This investigation intends to demonstrate for the first time at TRL7 the calcium-assisted steel-mill off-gas hydrogen (CASOH) process to decarbonize blast furnace gases. The CASOH process is carried out in packed-bed reactors operating through three main reaction stages: (1) H2 production via the water–gas shift (WGS) of the CO present in the BFG assisted by the simultaneous carbonation of CaO; (2) oxidation of the Cu-based catalyst with air, and (3) reduction of CuO with a fuel gas to regenerate CaO and produce a concentrated CO2 stream. The first experimental campaign used 200 kg of commercial Ca- and Cu-based solids mixed to create a 1 m reactive bed, which is sufficient to validate operations and confirm the process’s effectiveness. A product gas with 40% of H2 is obtained with CO2 capture efficiency above 95%. Demonstrating at TRL7 the ability to convert BFG into H2-enriched gas with minimal CO/CO2 enables remarkable decarbonization in steel production while utilizing existing blast furnaces, eliminating the need for less commercially developed production processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Capture Technologies for Sustainable Energy Production)
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9 pages, 1527 KiB  
Article
Thermally Enhanced Acidity for Regeneration of Carbon Dioxide Sorbent
by Osamah Alghazwat, Melyse Laud and Yi Liao
Energies 2024, 17(17), 4279; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17174279 - 27 Aug 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1089
Abstract
The thermal regeneration of CO2 sorbent is the most energy-consuming step in the CO2-capturing process. Although the addition of an acid can induce CO2 release, it does not regenerate the sorbent because the acid forms a salt with the [...] Read more.
The thermal regeneration of CO2 sorbent is the most energy-consuming step in the CO2-capturing process. Although the addition of an acid can induce CO2 release, it does not regenerate the sorbent because the acid forms a salt with the basic sorbent and diminishes its capability for capturing CO2. In this work, a novel approach based on thermally enhanced acidity was studied. This approach utilizes an additive that does not affect the sorbent at room temperature, but its acidity significantly increases at elevated temperatures, which assists the thermal release of CO2. M-cresol was added to an aqueous solution of morpholine. The CO2 capture and release of the mixture were compared to those of a control solution without m-cresol. The amounts of carbamate, bicarbonate, and unreacted morpholine were quantitatively determined using 1H NMR and weight analysis. The results showed that m-cresol did not affect the reactivity of morpholine in the formation of carbamate with CO2 at room temperature. At elevated temperatures, the acidity of m-cresol increased according to Van’t Hoff’s equation, which resulted in a significantly higher rate of CO2 release than that of the control. Given the low cost of m-cresol and its derivatives, this approach could lead to practical technology in the near future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Capture Technologies for Sustainable Energy Production)
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14 pages, 2812 KiB  
Article
Oxygen Carrier Circulation Rate for Novel Cold Flow Chemical Looping Reactors
by Amanda E. Alain, Nicole K. Bond, Scott Champagne, Robin W. Hughes and Arturo Macchi
Energies 2024, 17(1), 198; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010198 - 29 Dec 2023
Viewed by 1342
Abstract
To achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies must be implemented to decarbonize sectors with hard-to-abate emissions. Pressurized chemical looping (PCL) with a novel reactor design called a plug flow with internal recirculation (PFIR) fluidized bed is [...] Read more.
To achieve net-zero emissions by the year 2050, carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies must be implemented to decarbonize sectors with hard-to-abate emissions. Pressurized chemical looping (PCL) with a novel reactor design called a plug flow with internal recirculation (PFIR) fluidized bed is proposed as an attractive carbon capture technology to decarbonize small- and medium-scale emitters. The objective of this work is to examine the solid circulation rate between redox reactors in a cold flow chemical looping facility using an energy balance approach. The effects of static bed height, weir opening height, purge configuration, and gas flow rate on solid circulation rate were investigated. It was determined that parameters that greatly affected the total gas momentum, such as the fluidization ratio or number of purge rows, tended to also have a large effect on solid circulation rate. Parameters that had a small effect on total gas momentum, such as bed height, did not have a measurable effect on solid circulation rate. It was noted that parameters that posed a restriction to solids flow, such as a vertical purge jet or the weir itself, decreased the solid circulation rate compared to similar tests without restrictions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Capture Technologies for Sustainable Energy Production)
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Review

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31 pages, 4517 KiB  
Review
Impact of Regional Pressure Dissipation on Carbon Capture and Storage Projects: A Comprehensive Review
by Haval Kukha Hawez and Taimoor Asim
Energies 2024, 17(8), 1889; https://doi.org/10.3390/en17081889 - 16 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2558
Abstract
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical technology for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. CCS involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power plants and injecting them deep underground for long-term storage. The success of CCS projects [...] Read more.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical technology for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. CCS involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial processes and power plants and injecting them deep underground for long-term storage. The success of CCS projects is influenced by various factors, including the regional pressure dissipation effects in subsurface geological formations. The safe and efficient operation of CCS projects depends on maintaining the pressure in the storage formation. Regional pressure dissipation, often resulting from the permeability and geomechanical properties of the storage site, can have significant effects on project integrity. This paper provides a state-of-art of the impact of regional pressure dissipation on CCS projects, highlights its effects, and discusses ongoing investigations in this area based on different case studies. The results corroborate the idea that the Sleipner project has considerable lateral hydraulic connectivity, which is evidenced by pressure increase ranging from <0.1 MPa in case of an uncompartmentalized reservoir to >1 MPa in case of substantial flow barriers. After five years of injection, pore pressures in the water leg of a gas reservoir have increased from 18 MPa to 30 MPa at Salah project, resulting in a 2 cm surface uplift. Furthermore, artificial CO2 injection was simulated numerically for 30 years timespan in the depleted oil reservoir of Jurong, located near the Huangqiao CO2-oil reservoir. The maximum amount of CO2 injected into a single well could reach 5.43 × 106 tons, potentially increasing the formation pressure by up to 9.5 MPa. In conclusion, regional pressure dissipation is a critical factor in the implementation of CCS projects. Its impact can affect project safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Ongoing research and investigations are essential to improve our understanding of this phenomenon and develop strategies to mitigate its effects, ultimately advancing the success of CCS as a climate change mitigation solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Carbon Capture Technologies for Sustainable Energy Production)
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