An interval chance-constrained programming-based optimization model for carbon capture, utilization, and storage system planning

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) are widely regarded as a crucial technological option for industrial large-scale carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions reduction. However, high-cost and uncertainties hinder the widespread application of CCUS technology. In this study, an interval-chance-constrained programming-based optimization model was proposed to address random probability distributions, interval values, complex interactions, and the dynamics of capacity expansion issues. The model was applied to a CCUS project in China. A set of violation probability levels (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2) were designed to reflect system costs and risk levels. And then the solutions for system costs, capacity expansion, and operating schemes under four violation probability levels (p(i')) could be generated. The results revealed that the model could ensure the highest reliability and largest CO2 storage under p(i') = 0.01. At this probability level, the amount of CO2 storage would range from 4972.05-5429.75 kilotons per annum (ktpa), the CCUS system cost would be highest at $166.57 million, and the net system benefits would be slightly less at $105.91 million. If policymakers strive to achieve the net system benefits of the project, the highest net system benefits would be achieved under p(i') = 0.05. At this probability level, the net system benefits would increase to $135.45 million, the system cost would reduce to 5138.62 million, but the total amount of CO2 storage would decrease to between 4090.01 and 4653.24 ktpa, which would entail a high risk of system violation. These findings enable policymakers to determine the trade-offs among system reliability, CO2 reduction, and the benefits of the project. The modeling approach can also address interactions among CCUS activities and the dynamics of facility expansion issues as well as help policymakers develop adaptive operational strategies. This study enriches CCUS research through an interval chance-constrained optimization modeling approach for CCUS system management under multiple uncertainties. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.