Current status, challenges and future prospects of carbon capture and storage (CCS) for thermal power plants in Brazil

Abstract

The installed capacity of thermal power plants has been increasing in Brazil. Consequently, harmful emissions are also rising due to the increasing consumption of conventional fuels. More stringent environmental regulations and concerns regarding climate change have led to joint efforts towards using low-carbon energy generation technologies. Adopting carbon capture and storage technologies could help mitigate these emissions. However, a comprehensive analysis of their suitability for the application is necessary, depending on numerous factors. This study investigates the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for exploiting carbon capture technologies in Brazilian thermal power plants by conducting a SWOT analysis. The study presents environmental, economic, social, policy and legal aspects of applying CCS technologies for emission mitigation. The recommendation based on this analysis provides a future framework for assessing and implementing CCS technologies for thermal power plants in Brazil.