Conceptual Design of Optimized Fossil Energy Systems with
Capture and Sequestration of CO₂
Project # 42929

Primary Performing Organization:
University of California at Davis

In an effort to improve carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture technology, this project develops analytic and simulation tools to better understand system design issues and economics for a large-scale fossil energy system with CO₂ sequestration.

The overall objective is to develop probable transition strategies from an existing energy system toward one based on large-scale coal-derived energy systems co-producing hydrogen, electricity, and byproducts, coupled with capture and sequestration of CO₂.  Identification of the necessary technical and cost parameters for a successful transition to a coal derived hydrogen economy will be determined by modeling and assessing the current power generation infrastructure and forecasting of fuel costs and power demand from existing sources such as EIA, BLS, eGrid.  

Time lapsed cost projections for widespread implementation of low-carbon emitting coal-based energy systems under different regional and market conditions will also be developed. This will be accomplished by using a variety of analytic and simulation methods for studying the entire system in an integrated manner.  The project will make use of geographic information system (GIS) data to develop geographic-specific case studies for various regions of the United States as well as a national assessment. (A sample regional case study for the Midwest is shown in the Figure.) The proposed regional modeling studies will interface closely with the USDOE’s Carbon Sequestration Regional Partnership program.  Focus will be on developing plausible transition paths from the present fossil energy infrastructure toward an infrastructure that has widespread use of coal-derived energy carriers (hydrogen and electricity) with CO₂ capture and sequestration for each of the Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships, their respective states, and the nation.  Researchers will explore the implications of alternative carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) technologies for coal-based hydrogen plants.

Future hydrogen and electricity demands, costs, availability of coal resources, and sequestration capacity vary in different regions of the U.S.  Through GIS-based case studies, an understanding of how a transition might occur in different regions will be determined.

The objectives of the project are to:

• Develop new analytic and simulation tools to model design and evolution of fossil energy systems with CO₂ sequestration,
• Apply simulation tools on geographically specific case studies in different areas of the United States,
• Examine how coal-based H₂ and CO₂ infrastructure design and cost depend on geography and location.
• Explore the implications of alternative CCS technologies for coal-based hydrogen plants.
• Examine possible transition strategies for each of the regional partnerships, their respective states, and the nation.

Contact:
Project Manager: Jose Figueroa, jose.figueroa@netl.doe.gov

Related Papers and Publications:

• Conceptual Design of Optimized Fossil Energy Systems Fact Sheet [PDF]