Current research in the field of carbon dioxide emissions is focusing not only on technologies for purely reducing emissions, but also on those that enable the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) that has already been produced. Measures for these so-called ‘negative emissions’ include, for example, Direct Air Capture (DAC), which is characterized by the direct capture of carbon dioxide from the air. Subsequent to further processing, the captured gas needs to be stored in order to permanently remove it from the atmosphere. The GerMin project is investigating the Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS) process, which involves capturing CO2 from the ambient air and then storing it permanently underground by mineralization.
The aim of this research project is to develop a geological, technical, ecological and legal assessment of the capture and mineralization of CO2 at the site in Germany.
For this purpose, geological requirements for the rock used in the mineralization process are investigated and suitable sites in Germany will be identified. Building on these findings, a DAC process will be designed for the specific site. Thereafter, a comprehensive ecological assessment of the entire process, including the capture and mineralization of CO2 in Germany, will be carried out. At the same time, a classification of the legal situation regarding DAC and CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) is being conducted.
In this joint project, the IWF is responsible for creating a life cycle assessment (LCA) model and carrying out a global sensitivity analysis. Initially, an ecological assessment of carbon capture using DACC and subsequent storage through mineralization is to be carried out using a basic model. Data from the literature and databases as well as primary data obtained from the configuration and experiments will serve as the data basis. The life cycle assessment is performed according to the methodology defined in ISO 14040 2006 and ISO 14044 2006.
By parameterizing the LCA model, different scenarios can be evaluated and compared. For example, possible locations in Germany are categorized on the basis of previously determined results. A contribution and global sensitivity analysis provide information on possible hotspots and influential process parameters, such as energy supply, seasonal fluctuations or the existing rock composition.