Assessment of optimal conditions for the performance of greenhouse gas removal methods

Abstract

In this study, a comparative literature-based assessment of the impact of operational factors such as climatic condition, vegetation type, availability of land, water, energy and biomass, management practices, cost and soil characteristics was carried out on six greenhouse gas removal (GGR) methods. These methods which include forestation, enhanced weathering (EW), soil carbon sequestration (SCS), biochar, direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS) and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) were accessed with the aim of identifying the conditions and requirements necessary for their optimum performance. The extent of influence of these factors on the performance of the various GGR methods was discussed and quantified on a scale of 0-5. The key conditions necessary for optimum performance were identified with forestation, EW, SCS and biochar found to be best deployed within the tropical and temperate climatic zones. The CCS technologies (BECCS and DACCS) which have been largely projected as major contributors to the attainment of the emission mitigation targets were found to have a larger locational flexibility. However, the need for cost optimal siting of the CCS plant is necessary and dependent on the presence of appropriate storage facilities, preferably geological. The need for global and regional cooperation as well as some current efforts at accelerating the development and deployment of these GGR methods were also highlighted.

Keywords: Biochar; Carbon capture and storage; Enhanced weathering; Forestation; Soil carbon sequestration.