Impact of carbon dioxide removal technologies on deep decarbonization of the electric power sector

This paper investigates the impact of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, specifically bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration (BECCS) and direct air capture (DAC), on the deep decarbonization of the US electric power sector. Using a detailed capacity planning and dispatch model (REGEN), the study analyzes the effects of CDR availability on electric sector investments, costs, and emissions under various CO2 reduction targets. Results indicate that incorporating CDR lowers the costs of deep decarbonization, particularly as policy ambition increases, reducing reliance on technologies like advanced nuclear and long-duration storage. BECCS is favored for net-zero targets, while DAC deployment rises with increasing biomass supply costs.

John E. T. Bistline, Geoffrey J. Blanford