Near-term deployment of carbon capture and sequestration from biorefineries in the United States

Capture and permanent geologic sequestration of biogenic CO(2) emissions may provide critical flexibility in ambitious climate change mitigation. However, most bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration (BECCS) technologies are technically immature or commercially unavailable. Here, we evaluate low-cost, commercially ready CO(2) capture opportunities for existing ethanol biorefineries in the United States. The analysis combines process engineering, spatial optimization, and lifecycle assessment to consider the technical, economic, and institutional feasibility of near-term carbon capture and sequestration (CCS). Our modeling framework evaluates least cost source–sink relationships and aggregation opportunities for pipeline transport, which can cost-effectively transport small CO(2) volumes to suitable sequestration sites; 216 existing US biorefineries emit 45 Mt CO(2) annually from fermentation, of which 60% could be captured and compressed for pipeline transport for under $25/tCO(2). A sequestration credit, analogous to existing CCS tax credits, of $60/tCO(2) could incent 30 Mt of sequestration and 6,900 km of pipeline infrastructure across the United States. Similarly, a carbon abatement credit, analogous to existing tradeable CO(2) credits, of $90/tCO(2) can incent 38 Mt of abatement. Aggregation of CO(2) sources enables cost-effective long-distance pipeline transport to distant sequestration sites. Financial incentives under the low-carbon fuel standard in California and recent revisions to existing federal tax credits suggest a substantial near-term opportunity to permanently sequester biogenic CO(2). This financial opportunity could catalyze the growth of carbon capture, transport, and sequestration; improve the lifecycle impacts of conventional biofuels; support development of carbon-negative fuels; and help fulfill the mandates of low-carbon fuel policies across the United States.