A just transition pathway for the coal industry from its ashes
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The challenge of conciliating global decarbonization efforts with socio-economic welfare in coal-dependent regions calls for innovative approaches for just transitions. This study proposes a circular industrial system that integrates CO2 capture through TSA-based adsorption with large-scale zeolite production from coal ash, while directing surplus zeolites to BECCS plants to achieve carbon dioxide removal (CDR). A comprehensive techno-economic analysis was conducted to evaluate the system’s performance and feasibility. Results indicate that TSA technology, while exhibiting slightly better energy performance, incurs higher costs compared to chemical absorption. Coal ash from a single power plant can yield up to 78 kt of zeolites annually, of which 15% is required for CO2 capture at the coal plant, leaving surplus production to support up to four BECCS plants with a combined power capacity of 2.5 GW. These BECCS plants could generate 13 TWh of electricity annually and deliver 13 MtCO2 of CDR. The zeolites production can support a just transition framework in coal-dependent regions, as it potentially creates more than double of local jobs and generates almost as much revenue as the coal power plant. Still, future studies are needed for improving the assessment of socio-economic and environmental implications of the proposed framework.
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,540
OpenAlex ID: W4410615326