Optimizing to combat Climate Change with Carbon Capture and Storage

The electricity generation sector in the U.S. is a major contributor of CO2 emissions. Thus emissions reductions from this sector will play a central role in any coordinated CO2 emission reduction effort aimed at combating climate change. One technology option that may help the electricity generation sector meet this challenge is carbon capture and storage (CCS). Carbon capture technologies can significantly reduce atmospheric emissions of CO2 from fossil fuel power plants. The captured CO2 is then transported through a network of pipelines and stored safely. A widespread deployment of these technologies is necessary to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to a clean energy portfolio. But the deployment is both expensive and time-consuming: bringing such technologies online can take industries between 20 and 30 years. The U.S. Department of Energy is using GAMS in two projects aimed at advancing carbon capture technologies. The NETL CO2 Capture, Transport, Utilization and Storage (CTUS) model optimizes potential networks of CO2 pipelines and storage infrastructure. The Carbon Capture Simulation Initiative (CCSI), founded by the U.S. Department of Energy, aims at making carbon capture technologies more easily available for industries. Their Optimization Toolset enables industry to rapidly assess and utilize these new technologies. GAMS is proud to be a part of these projects designed to make carbon capture a success.