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Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is a set of technologies aimed at capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from point-source emitters to either store permanently or use as a feedstock to produce chemicals and fuels. In this paper, the potential benefits of CCUS integration into the energy supply sector are evaluated from a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) perspective by comparing two different routes for the CO2 captured from a natural gas combined cycle (NGCC). Both the complete storage of the captured CO2 and its partial utilization to produce dimethyl ether are investigated. Moreover, the assessment is performed considering the region-specific features of two of the largest CO2 emitters in Europe, namely Italy and Poland. Results shows that the complete storage of the captured CO2 reduces Global Warming Potential (GWP) by ~89% in Italy and ~97%, in Poland. On the other hand, the partial utilization of CO2 to produce dimethyl ether leads to a decrease of ~58% in Italy and ~68% in Poland with respect to a comparable reference entailing conventional dimethyl ether production. A series of environmental trade-offs was determined, with all the investigated categories apart from GWP showing an increase, mainly connected with the higher energy requirements of CCUS processes. These outcomes highlight the need for a holistic-oriented approach in the design of novel implemented configurations to avoid burden shifts throughout the value chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a part of the strategic research program 'Advanced technologies for energy generation: Development of a technology for highly efficient zero-emission coal-fired power units integrated with CO capture', a mobile CO absorption pilot plant was erected. The main purpose of the pilot plant was to demonstrate the post-combustion technology in conjunction with a coal-fired power plant. The pilot plant captured CO by chemical absorption in amine-based solvents, which was considered to be the best adapted technology to the requirements of coal-fired power plants and suitable for retrofitting to existing units. The pilot plant captured up to 1000 kg/day of CO from the power plant's flue gases with CO recovery exceeding 90 %. The flexible process flowsheet of the pilot plant offered high potential for the validation of various improvements, which were designed to reduce the process energy demand and to increase the CO recovery. This paper summarizes the initial operation experience at the TAURON Łaziska Power Plant in Poland. Selected first results obtained are presented and discussed. The initial campaigns utilized 20 and 30 wt% monoethanolamine (MEA) solutions recognized as baseline solvents that were suitable for comparative purposes. The initial campaigns at the pilot plant successfully demonstrated reliable operation and promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a research study on modeling and computer simulation of injecting CO2 into the coal seams of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland connected with enhanced coal bed methane (ECBM) recovery. In the initial stage of the research activities, a structural parameter model was developed specifically with reference to the coal-bearing formations of the Upper Carboniferous for which basic parameters of coal quality and the distribution of methane content were estimated. In addition, a lithological model of the overall reservoir structure was developed and the reservoir parameters of the storage site were analyzed. In the next stage of the research, the static model was supplemented with detailed reservoir parameters as well as the thermodynamic properties of fluids and complex gases. The paper discusses a series of simulations of an enhanced coalbed methane recovery process with a simultaneous injection of carbon dioxide. The analyses were performed using the ECLIPSE software designed for simulating coal seam processes. The results of the simulations demonstrated that the total volume of CO2 injected to a designated seam in a coal mine during the period of one year equaled 1,954,213 sm3. The total amount of water obtained from the production wells during the whole period of the simulations (6.5 years) was 9867 sm3. At the same time, 15,558,906 sm3 of gas was recovered, out of which 14,445,424 sm3 was methane. The remaining 7% of the extracted gas was carbon dioxide as a result of reverse production of the previously injected CO2. However, taking into consideration the phenomena of coal matrix shrinking and swelling, the total amount of injected CO2 decreased to approximately 625,000 sm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents a strategic goals of Polish energy policy and its comparison with the European energy regulation. Polish power industry must cope with challenges ofpower policy of the EU Especially with stricter emission requirements, implementation of EU rules, stricter competition on the EU market and promoting balanced development, including electrical effectiveness, emission- free technologies, and renewable sources of energy. Energy policy directions, which were set by the government in the document "Polish energy policy until 2030", are aimed at improving national security and maintaining sustainable growth. Those aspirations are supposed to be met through: reduction of electricity losses in transmission and distribution, higher energy savings by end consumers, introduction of mandatory energy characteristics certificates for buildings put into use or to rent, energy markings on devices and products, information campaigns promoting rational energy consumption or supporting research into and development of new technological solutions reducing energy consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents an analysis of the possible location of geological formations suitable for CO2 storage in the Upper Silesia Coal Basin, Poland. The range of the reservoir has been determined on the basis of an analysis of basic geological parameters, which determine the selection criteria for sites suitable for CO2 storage. A dynamic modelling of the CO2 distribution in the aquifer is presented. Based on the constructed model of migration, reactivity, and geochemical transport of CO2 in geological structures, it is possible to identify potential migration routes and escape sites of CO2 on the surface. The analysis of the technical and geological possibilities of CO2 storage was carried out according to the regulations of the complex Polish geological law, specifically in terms of sequestration possibilities in geological formations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a comprehensive economic analysis of a CO2 injection project in one of the Polish oil fields for both increased production (CO2-EOR) and underground storage (CCS). An interesting differentiator of this work is the use of a multilayered reservoir, which is actually not one reservoir but several located in the same place, as an example. It allows the optimization of the processes of injection, production and storage. Such projects are becoming more and more important because recently, after a period of long-term stagnation, costs of carbon allowances have started to rise which affects e.g. the electricity market in Poland. This can be an important incentive for the development of CCS technology, especially in combination with CO2-EOR. In the case of very high costs of carbon emissions rights CCS may turn out to be a cheaper solution. Economic efficiency is the main determinant of the EOR project's success, as well as a very significant factor influencing the potential development of CO2 underground storage. Results are based on the numerical simulation of a combined CO2-EOR and CCS project. This analysis has been divided into two parts. The first uses a standard, deterministic approach, based on the DCF method and NPV indicator. It also provides a detailed sensitivity analysis, with particular reference to the impact of oil prices and the cost of carbon emissions rights on a project's profitability. The second part of the economic analysis is probabilistic and involves estimating the maximum amount of CAPEX using the Monte Carlo method. Two cases were taken into account. The first assumes that the CO2 emitter pays for CO2 storage and the price is equal to 80% of the emissions rights price (with storage revenue). In the second one the emitter does not pay for storage (without storage revenue). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]