Assessing Risk for Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage Systems

Achieving ambitious global energy demand, climate, and decarbonization goals will require implementing innovative technologies effectively and safely. Bioenergy with carbon capture and sequestration (BECCS) systems are an evolving solution that can capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere using photosynthesis; convert the resulting biomass into thermal energy, biofuels, or bioproducts; and store associated carbon dioxide emissions. However, BECCS facilities face unique challenges due to the variability and diversity of biomass feedstock composition and their inherent hazards.

In their article, "Process safety in bioenergy with carbon capture and storage systems (BECCS)," published in the journal Process Safety Progress, Exponent's Russell Ogle, Sean Dee, and Isaac Mastalski explore hazards related to BECCS as well as strategies embodied by risk-based process safety (RBPS) management programs to identify, evaluate, and mitigate associated risk.

The authors document process hazards associated with the handling and storage of biomass feedstocks, including dust, self-heating, spontaneous ignition, and smoldering combustion, and hazards that may be encountered during the thermal, chemical, or biological processing of biomass. Through two case studies with representative bioenergy technology processes hazards — one involving an anaerobic digestion facility and another a cofired biomass system converted from a coal-fired boiler — the authors identify safety gaps and RBPS strategies that could mitigate associated risks.

The authors conclude that while some commercial bioenergy processes are well understood and guided by existing safety standards, other novel processes lack sufficient standards. In such cases, RBPS management programs can provide a sound basis for identifying, evaluating, and controlling process hazards, ensuring program safety, and contributing to the success of carbon capture and sequestration initiatives.

From the publication: "An RBPS program can help manage the risks of a BECCS facility and minimize process safety incidents."