The cost of carbon capture and storage for natural gas combined cycle power plants

Environ Sci Technol. 2012 Mar 20;46(6):3076-84. doi: 10.1021/es204514f. Epub 2012 Mar 2.

Abstract

This paper examines the cost of CO(2) capture and storage (CCS) for natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) power plants. Existing studies employ a broad range of assumptions and lack a consistent costing method. This study takes a more systematic approach to analyze plants with an amine-based postcombustion CCS system with 90% CO(2) capture. We employ sensitivity analyses together with a probabilistic analysis to quantify costs for plants with and without CCS under uncertainty or variability in key parameters. Results for new baseload plants indicate a likely increase in levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of $20-32/MWh (constant 2007$) or $22-40/MWh in current dollars. A risk premium for plants with CCS increases these ranges to $23-39/MWh and $25-46/MWh, respectively. Based on current cost estimates, our analysis further shows that a policy to encourage CCS at new NGCC plants via an emission tax or carbon price requires (at 95% confidence) a price of at least $125/t CO(2) to ensure NGCC-CCS is cheaper than a plant without CCS. Higher costs are found for nonbaseload plants and CCS retrofits.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Air Pollutants / economics*
  • Air Pollution / economics*
  • Air Pollution / prevention & control
  • Carbon Dioxide / economics*
  • Costs and Cost Analysis
  • Models, Economic
  • Natural Gas / economics*
  • Power Plants / economics*

Substances

  • Air Pollutants
  • Natural Gas
  • Carbon Dioxide