Paper details

Title:

Advancing Negative Emissions: Techno-economic Analysis of MCFC Integration for Carbon Capture in a Small-scale Biomass CHP Plants

Author(s):

Cretarloa, L., Scaccabarozzi, R., Spinelli, M., Viganò, F.

Document(s):

Abstract:

Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) is regarded as a pivotal route to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, as stipulated in the Paris Agreement. The present study evaluates the integration of a biogas-fueled molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) as an active CO2 capture technology within a small-scale woody biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant producing 990 kWel and 4800 kWth. Two configurations were simulated with the software Aspen Plus: direct feeding of the biogas to the MCFC (Case A) and pre-treatment of the biogas by means of a cryogenic Compression and Purification Unit (CPU) before entering the fuel cell (Case B). The findings indicate that both configurations enable greater net electricity production than the standalone biomass plant. The capture rates ranging from 60% to 95% were examined, with optimal performance observed at approximately 85%. From an economic perspective, the cost of captured CO2 remains above 280 $/tCO2, strongly influenced by the price of biogas, while the difference due to the capture rate remains below 20 $/tCO2. Although technical performance is promising, strong political incentives are needed for economic viability.

Keywords:

bioenergy, biogas, CO₂ capture, fuel cell

Topic:

Biomass Conversion for Bioenergy

Subtopic:

Advanced biomass combustion

Event:

33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition

Session:

4BV.1.24

Pages:

748 - 751

ISBN:

978-88-89407-25-7

Paper DOI:

10.5071/33rdEUBCE2025-4BV.1.24

Price:

FREE