Comparison of carbon capture and storage with renewable energy technologies regarding structural, economical, and ecological aspects

摘要

To use coal in the future in a more environmentally-friendly way, the option of "carbon capture and storage" (CCS) is discussed. A first system-analytic view in the form of a life cycle analysis and a cost assessment combined with a systematic comparison with renewable energies regarding future conditions in the power plant market (2020) was done. The results show that assuming a realistic CO_2 emissions' separation rate of 88% at the power plant results in a greenhouse gas reduction by only 65% to 79%. Therefore it does not seem justified to talk about "CO_2-free" fossil power plants as proposed by industry and policy. Furthermore, renewables will be competitive with electricity from CCS power plants from the beginning of CCS technology in 2020 (wind power) or from 2030 - 2040 (mix of all renewables), depending on the price increase of the fossil fuels.