CCUS Feasibility Study

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of implementing Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage(CCUS) technology at the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) power generation facilities to support the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and exploring carbon utilization pathways.

Project Scope

The DEWA CCUS feasibility study included the following key elements:

1. Site Selection and Technology Assessment:
   • Evaluated three DEWA power generation sites, selecting the Jebel Ali Plant’s M-extension turbine as the optimal location for carbon capture due to its higher operational capacity.
   • Shortlisted amine-based absorption technology for carbon capture based on its high technical readiness level (TRL 9) and compatibility with power plant emissions.
2. Carbon Utilisation and Storage Options:
   • Reviewed potential carbon utilisation pathways, including urea, methanol and e-fuels production, and permanent storage in depleted hydrocarbon fields and saline aquifers.
3. Concept Development:
   • Designed multiple carbon capture plant concepts with varying capacities (0.5 MTPA, 1.0 MTPA, and 2.0 MTPA).
   • Integrated carbon transport via pipeline for storage and utilisation scenarios.
4. Economic Analysis:
   • Developed CAPEX and OPEX estimates for carbon capture and utilisation pathways.
   • Analysed levelised cost of carbon capture (LCOC) and utilisation (LC) to assess financial feasibility.

Findings & Recommendations

Findings

• Technical Feasibility:
  • Amine-based absorption technology emerged as the most feasible option, achieving up to 90% CO2 capture efficiency with high CO2 purity.
  • Jebel Ali’s M-extension turbine could capture 1.0 MTPA CO2 competitive cost.
• Carbon Utilisation Pathways:
  • Methanol and urea production were technically feasible but required government incentives to close cost gaps with traditional fossil-fuel-based products.
  • E-fuels production showed promise but faced high costs due to early-stage technology maturity.
• Storage Potential:
  • Depleted hydrocarbon fields and saline aquifers offered long-term storage solutions, with UAE fields having significant capacity.
• Economic Insights:
  • Economies of scale were achieved at capacities beyond 0.5 MTPA, with the 1.0 MTPA capacity emerging as the sweet spot.
  • LCOC for mid and high capacities was within the upper range of global benchmarks but required regulatory and policy support for implementation.

Recommendations

1. Advance detailed engineering and pilot testing for the 1.0 MTPA capacity carbon capture plant.
2. Collaborate with UAE stakeholders to develop carbon transport and storage infrastructure
3. Pursue regulatory support, including carbon pricing mechanisms and incentives for green ammonia and hydrogen.
4. Investigate clustering opportunities to enhance cost efficiencies and scalability.