Research on source−sink matching between coal−fired power plants and CO<sub>2</sub> saline aquifer storage in sedimentary basins in China

LI Yi; ZHOU Fan; WANG Jinsheng; GAI Peng; WANG Hao

doi:10.12029/gc20231118003

2025 Vol. 52, No. 4

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Article navigation > Geology in China > 2025 > 52(4): 1513-1527

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LI Yi, ZHOU Fan, WANG Jinsheng, GAI Peng, WANG Hao. 2025. Research on source−sink matching between coal−fired power plants and CO2 saline aquifer storage in sedimentary basins in China[J]. Geology in China, 52(4): 1513-1527. doi: 10.12029/gc20231118003

Citation:

LI Yi, ZHOU Fan, WANG Jinsheng, GAI Peng, WANG Hao. 2025. Research on source−sink matching between coal−fired power plants and CO₂ saline aquifer storage in sedimentary basins in China[J]. Geology in China, 52(4): 1513-1527. doi: 10.12029/gc20231118003

Research on source−sink matching between coal−fired power plants and CO₂ saline aquifer storage in sedimentary basins in China

1.
School of Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Environment, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, Hubei, China
2.
Key Laboratory of Intelligent Health Perception and Ecological Restoration of Rivers and Lakes, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan 430068, Hubei, China
3.
Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, Guangdong, China
4.
College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China

Fund Project: Supported by the project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.41902248).

More Information

Author Bio: LI Yi, male, born in 1989, associate professor, mainly engaged in the research of subsurface saline aquifers; E-mail: liyi_bnuphd@mail.bnu.edu.cn
Corresponding author: WANG Jinsheng, male, born in 1957, professor, mainly engaged in the research of underground water; E-mail: wangjs@bnu.edu.cn.

Received Date: 18 November 2023

Revised Date: 31 December 2023

Publish Date: 25 July 2025

Abstract

Abstract

This paper is the result of geological survey engineering.
Objective
Coal−fired power plants are a major source of CO₂ emissions in China. To achieve carbon reduction targets, retrofitting these facilities with Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology and using saline aquifers for CO₂ storage is a viable solution. Currently, there is a lack of detailed and systematic research on the source-sink matching of CO₂ emissions from coal-fired power plants and the storage of saline aquifers in sedimentary basins across the country.
Methods
This study focuses on the first-order structure of the basin level and an optimization model is developed for matching CO₂ sources with potential storage sites. The model considers the entire process and is based on the emission profiles of coal-fired power plants across China.
Results
The results show that 99% of these power plants can be matched with a unique storage site. Onshore basins are the preferred option for most power stations, while distinct advantages for offshore basins are shown by coastal match. Over a 10–40 year transformation timeline, the maximal transit distance from power plants to storage sites is projected to be 539.28 km for the decade of 2021–2030, extending to 660.58 km for the subsequent intervals ending in 2040, 2050, and 2060, respectively.
Conclusions
Establishing expansive CO₂ transportation networks for sequestration appears more feasible in the regions of North, East, Central, and Northwest China compared to the Northeast and South, when considering annual CO₂ capture volumes and transportation distances. The economic implications of CCUS technology retrofitting and the associated transportation distances have significant impacts on the source-to-sink matching outcomes. Technological advancements have led to a reduction in the average retrofitting costs from 500 CNY per ton CO₂ to below 300 CNY per ton CO₂. The findings of this investigation provide a basis for policy formulation regarding the retrofitting of coal−fired power plants with CCUS technology.
- coal−fired power plant /
- CO₂ storage /
- saline aquifer /
- source−sink matching model /
- retrofitting cost /
- geological survey engineering

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References

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