Chemical Engineering Transactions (Nov 2021)
Integrated Approach for Sectoral Carbon Drawdown Solutions
Abstract
Sectoral contributions of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are at the heart of the climate debate. Carbon drawdown solutions from different sectors (e.g. energy, land, urban infrastructure, and industrial systems) will play significant roles in mitigating climate change in the coming decades. This work identifies the feasible carbon drawdown solutions to support GHG emissions reduction paths globally. These solutions should meet both economic constraints and carbon emissions targets. This work develops a novel approach that integrates Carbon Emission Pinch Analysis (CEPA), the Best-Worst Method (BWM), and Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA). For each sector, BWM is used to evaluate the performance of reduction solutions and identify their priority weights. Then, CBA is used to rank the options further. Finally, CEPA combines with the Marginal Emission Reduction Cost Curve to find the final mix to meet carbon reduction targets and investment costs. The results prioritize global carbon drawdown potentials for the power (186.4 Gt CO2-eq), construction (97.9 Gt CO2-eq), industry (23.8 Gt CO2-eq), transportation (20.2 Gt CO2-eq), food, agriculture, and land use (2.5 Gt CO2-eq) sectors. Based on these results, this work presents an optimal path for carbon drawdown.