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Title Absolute Sustainability Assessment of Flue Gas Valorization to Ammonia and Synthetic Natural Gas
ID_Doc 9732
Authors D'Angelo, SC; Mache, J; Guillén-Gosálbez, G
Title Absolute Sustainability Assessment of Flue Gas Valorization to Ammonia and Synthetic Natural Gas
Year 2023
Published Acs Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 11.0, 50
DOI 10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c05246
Abstract Carbon capture and utilization has gained attention to potentially curb CO2 emissions while generating valuable chemicals. These technologies will coexist with fossil analogs, creating synergies to leverage circular economy principles. In this context, flue gas valorization from power plants can assist in the transition. Here, we assessed the absolute sustainability of a simulated integrated facility producing ammonia and synthetic natural gas from flue gas from a combined-cycle natural gas power plant based in Germany, using hydrogen from three water electrolysis technologies (proton exchange membrane, alkaline, and solid oxide cells), nitrogen, and CO2. For the first time, we applied the planetary boundaries (PBs) framework to a circular integrated system, evaluating its performance relative to the safe operating space. The PB-LCA assessment showed that the alternative technologies could significantly reduce, among others, the impact on climate change and biosphere integrity when compared to their fossil counterparts, which could be deemed unsustainable in climate change. Nevertheless, these alternative technologies could also lead to burden shifting and are not yet economically viable. Overall, the investigated process could smoothen the transition toward low-carbon technologies, but its potential collateral damages should be carefully considered. Furthermore, the application of the PBs provides an appealing framework to quantify the absolute sustainability level of integrated circular systems.
Author Keywords postcombustion capture; carbon capture and utilization; LCA; planetaryboundaries; renewables; techno-economic analysis
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:001127582000001
WoS Category Chemistry, Multidisciplinary; Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Engineering, Chemical
Research Area Chemistry; Science & Technology - Other Topics; Engineering
PDF https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.3c05246
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