Emerging Technologies Review: Carbon Capture and Conversion to Methane and Methanol

Citations Over Time

Abstract

Cleaner: The technology captures CO2 from clean existing Air Force facilities and produces low-carbon fuels as alternatives to fossil fuels, which can revolutionize the energy landscape of existing facilities with closed-loop carbon utilization. Cost-effective with Policy Support: The cost of carbon capture and conversion is steadily declining due to government and privately funded scale-up projects and federal/state incentives.There are many factors to consider when implementing a carbon capture and conversion process.Key factors are listed below. Technical consideration: A rich diversity of carbon capture and conversion technologies is in development, offering a range of advantages and disadvantages depending on their technology readiness levels.Notably, for each critical component in the process, there is at least one mature technology ready for potential implementation at Air Force facilities.Alternative technologies hold immense promise for future efficiency improvement and cost reductions, but require pilot-scale testing before full-scale installation at Air Force facilities. Regulatory and permitting: Regulatory approval and permitting will be required for implementing carbon capture and conversion technology. Potential risks: A successful installation requires early and continual engagement and transparent communication with the public and stakeholders to address social concerns and a comprehensive project environmental review and permitting process to address environmental concerns.Other risks related to cost, policy, and technology should be addressed in the planning stage. Economic consideration: Advancing the technology maturity of emerging technologies and access to policy supports and incentives are critical to project success. Operational consideration: Flexible operation capacity is required to manage changes to supply and demand.Robust maintenance plans should be developed for all equipment and critical materials used in the process (solvent, sorbent, catalyst, etc.). Siting consideration: The ideal location will have an onsite CO2 source and readily available water for renewable hydrogen generation, and access to necessary utilities.To advance the implementation of carbon capture and conversion at Air Force sites, it is recommended that the Air Force start with a pilot plant to test the feasibility, demonstrate basic functions and performance, and ensure operational resilience of the technology before any fullscale installation.Implementing a pilot plant would necessitate a number of steps, including site selection, technology screening, feasibility assessment, financial planning, regulatory compliance, engineering design, construction, monitoring, and continuous improvement.Starting with a pilot plant would offer valuable information for the subsequent phases of the project, which should assist with decision-making, resource allocation, and the overall success of the carbon capture initiative.It is important to emphasize that during the technology selection steps, the Air Force should pay close attention to the status of ongoing U.S. Department of Energy projects aiming to advance and de-risk low-cost emerging technologies.To select a technology and decide when and where to deploy a carbon capture and conversion plant, the DAF should consider all operational, technical, regulatory, environmental, and economic factors.

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