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Cost per tonne captured understates the real figure because the capture process itself consumes energy, generating additional emissions. Cost per tonne avoided divides by the net reduction and is always higher — often 25-40% higher for post-combustion capture on a coal plant with a 20-30% energy penalty.
Cost per tonne
Cost per tonne captured = capture cost + transport and storage cost
Avoided basis
Cost per tonne avoided = cost per tonne captured / (1 - 0.5 x energy penalty)
Carbon capture and storage projects require geological storage permits, long-term liability arrangements and monitoring, verification and reporting under the applicable regulatory framework.
Running the capture plant needs steam and power, which either reduces plant output or burns more fuel. The extra emissions from that energy must be netted off the capture volume.
Solvent regeneration heat dominates in amine post-combustion capture, plus compression to pipeline pressure. Penalties of 20-30% of plant output are typical, and reducing them is the main research focus.