A review of optimization and decision-making models for the planning of CO2 capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) systems

Carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) is considered as one of the key strategies for mitigating climate change. This technology involves CO2 capture from stationary sources, followed by distribution of CO2 to different intermediate utilization and/or final storage options. CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) by itself offers resource conservation benefits by displacing the need for extracted CO2 from natural sources. On the other hand, CO2 capture and storage (CCS) provides CO2 emissions reduction by sequestration of captured CO2 for long-term storage. Combining CCS and CCU can potentially result in valuable symbiosis, but remains debatable due to gaps between the roles of these technologies in energy engineering. Such gaps have resulted in slower commercial deployment of CO2 -capture. Some important issues resulting from these technologies have been addressed in previous studies through process systems engineering (PSE) methodologies, which are able to provide rigorous decision support during CCUS planning. This review paper provides an in-depth discussion of the state-of-the-art of these tools, and also discusses recent developments on integrating CCUS components in large-scale planning. While recent literature in this area reveals the availability of tools for planning and policy-making, further research opportunities are identified through the bibliometric trends that show how CCUS research can develop further.