Life-cycle energy, cost, and CO2 emission of CO2-enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) recovery framework

This study aims to analyze the technical, economic, and environmental capabilities of CO2-enhanced coalbed methane (ECBM) recovery framework. By incorporating various analysis techniques such as process simulation, techno-economic evaluation, and life cycle assessment, we developed a systematic approach to evaluate the whole process chain of the framework consisting of five sub-processes: CO(2 )capture, CO2 transport, CO2 injection, raw coalbed methane extraction, and methane purification. As a case study, the CO2-ECBM recovery in the Tavan Tolgoi basin, the largest coal seam in Mongolia, was investigated. The life-cycle energy and cost, and the net CO2 emission were analyzed using twelve realistic scenarios. As a result, the CO2 capture is analyzed as the main cost driver due to its high energy consumption, followed by the CO2 transportation. In addition, the proposed framework is identified as the only negative CO2 emission option compared to typical CBM and flue gas-ECBM frameworks.