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Techno-Economic Assessment of Atmospheric Carbon Removal via Industrial Composting of Biomass Waste with CO2 Capture

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The techno-economic feasibility of removing atmospheric CO 2 via industrial composting of high-moisture, heterogeneous biomass waste with CO 2 capture is assessed. The novel composting process generates a relatively high concentration of biogenic CO 2 for capture, while avoiding the emission of methane and generating a nutrient-rich soil amendment. Empirical data generated from compost bioreactors at 0.5 L and 25 L scales inform the techno-economic assessment. The levelized cost of CO 2 capture is estimated to be USD 85 per tonne of CO 2 (tCO 2 ), while the levelized cost of CO 2 removal is estimated to be USD 102/tCO 2 under base case assumptions. Sensitivity analysis indicates that a biomass feed rate and tipping fee are the most sensitive parameters. A compost facility with a biomass feed rate of 45,990 dry t-biomass/year has the potential to remove over 26,500 tCO 2 /year from the atmosphere with gaseous CO 2 capture. Industrial composting of biomass waste with CO 2 capture has the potential to be a viable biomass carbon removal and storage (BiCRS) technology and warrants further investigation.

Source: ACS Omega

DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c10158

Authors: Ethan Woods, Nicolas Clauser, Jesse Daystar, William Joe Sagues

Institutions: North Carolina State University, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, National University of Misiones, Cotton (United States)

Language: English

Topic: Carbon Dioxide Capture Technologies

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,935