The quest for carbon neutral solutions is now dominating the energy sector and a host of other industries, so the adoption of technologies that utilize waste resources is a crucial step in the right direction.
Circular power systems — those that reuse and recycle resources — can increase energy efficiency and reduce carbon footprints. They do this using tools such as Carbon Capture, Use and Storage (CCUS).
Attention is also focused on how these solutions can be used locally to make energy greener.
Making captured CO2 usable
In the Japanese city of Hiroshima stands a pioneering biomass power plant that aims to reduce emissions by promoting the circular economy.
The 7-megawatt power plant is fueled with wood chips from local waste wood. These would normally release naturally stored CO2 into the air when burned in the plant.
However, because the plant is equipped with a compact carbon capture system, part of the plant’s CO2 emissions are separated from the plant’s flue gases and used. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group’s compact system uses a proprietary high-performance KS-1-amine solvent to capture emissions.
The system’s standardized modular design reduces capital, operating and maintenance costs and allows for faster delivery, making it much easier to install than larger custom acquisition systems.
It is planned to use the captured CO2 from the plant in horticulture to grow crops on a larger scale. There are also many other potential uses ranging from cement manufacturing to the chemical industry
How local energy can power the circular economy
Reuse of waste in the circular economy
Bioenergy with carbon capture and utilization systems like that in Hiroshima could provide a starting point to support decarbonization efforts by maximizing local, efficient circular power and heat generation.
Plants like these use local waste materials such as wood or agricultural residues as feedstock, with clear environmental benefits. Bioenergy does not add additional CO2 to the atmosphere because the CO2 released when generating electricity using such fuels comes from carbon naturally circulating in the atmosphere through photosynthesis and decomposition.
Carbon capture technology removes CO2 emissions at source while electricity is being generated, then safely stores them. Negative emissions occur when the amount of CO2 stored is greater than the amount emitted during the production, transport, conversion and use of the bioenergy.
protect the planet
While the business case for CCUS has yet to be proven, scaling technologies should reduce costs and make them more viable just as wind and solar costs have fallen in recent years.
But for power generators and other heavy industries, the adoption of technologies that promote energy circularity has economic and environmental benefits. It reduces both costs and power consumption, and generates additional revenue by selling excess power back to the grid.
Local households and businesses could also benefit from a stable and plentiful power supply and energy cost savings.
The real winner, however, is the planet. As the race to reach net-zero accelerates, the potential for the energy sector to target negative emissions could be instrumental in combating the threats of climate change.
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