Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage technology to achieve net zero emissions–A review

Bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration (BECCS) technology has emerged as a flourishing and advanced approach for capturing CO₂ since it promotes clean energy, supports sustainable resource management, advances environmental sustainability and negative emissions. Thus, this novel comprehensive review thoroughly explores the contribution of biomass oxy-fuel technology in capturing CO₂ and achieving net zero emissions. Furthermore, the review meticulously addresses pollution emissions and ash-related issues along with control strategies in the fluidized bed oxy-fuel configuration, providing in-depth insights into scale-up feasibility and techno-economic and environmental analysis. Remarkably, oxy-fuel combustion (OFC) achieves CO₂ recovery rates of up to 96.24%, with around 70% of flue gas recirculated following biomass combustion. Increased biomass raises CO levels, especially above 30%, with rapid conversion to CO₂ at 100% O₂. Under oxy-fuel conditions, NOx and SOx emissions are reduced by utilizing effective strategies like gas and oxygen staging and limestone injection for desulfurization. Combustion produces fly ash with minerals and heavy metals, causing boiler fouling, while PM1 contains K, Cl, P, S and Na, and PM_1-10 includes Mg, Ca and Si. Furthermore, 1% NH₄Cl-modified biomass char effectively removes mercury. Globally, there are 20 BECCS projects spanning various methods and fuels. Additionally, oxy-fuel process scored 10/10 for both global warning potential and acidification pollution, indicating minimal emissions. It may become more financially viable than fossil fuels with a carbon tax exceeding $28.3 per tonne of CO₂. BECCS has reached TRL 7 in the industry, with CO₂ capture costs ranging from $40 to $120 per ton, offering a cost advantage over other technologies.