Opportunities for low-cost CO2 storage demonstration projects in China

Several CO2 storage demonstration projects are needed in a variety of geological formations worldwide to prove the viability of CO2 capture and storage as a major option for climate change mitigation. China has several low-cost CO2 sources at sites that produce NH3 from coal via gasification. At these plants, CO2 generated in excess of the amount needed for other purposes (e.g., urea synthesis) is vented as a relatively pure stream. These CO2 sources would potentially be economically interesting candidates for storage demonstration projects if there are suitable storage sites nearby.In this study a survey was conducted to estimate CO2 availability at modern Chinese coal-fed ammonia plants. Results indicate that annual quantities of available, relatively pure CO2 per site range from 0.6 to 1.1 million tonnes. The CO2 source assessment was complemented by analysis of possible nearby opportunities for CO2 storage. CO2 sources were mapped in relation to Chinaʹs petroliferous sedimentary basins where prospective CO2 storage reservoirs possibly exist. Four promising pairs of sources and sinks were identified. Project costs for storage in deep saline aquifers were estimated for each pairing ranging from $15–21/t of CO2. Potential enhanced oil recovery and enhanced coal bed methane recovery opportunities near each prospective source were also considered.