Development of LCA methodology for documentation of negative emissions and allocation of burdens and benefits in CCUS value chains

Background and project purpose?
The project aims to enhance understanding and knowledge regarding the documentation of “avoided” and “negative” emissions, particularly in the context of CCUS value chains. This objective will be achieved by developing a harmonized life cycle assessment methodology (LCA) specifically for documenting negative emissions and, more broadly, documentation of environmental and resource efficiency within CCUS value chains.
What is the project objective?
The goal of the project is three-folded:
1. Enhance understanding of how life cycle assessment methodology (LCA) can be applied to calculate negative emissions related to CDR/BiCRS (carbon dioxide removal and biomass carbon removal and storage) based on a comprehensive value chain and existing standards and guidelines. This includes a deeper comprehension of the distinction between “avoided” and “negative” emissions.
2. Develop a harmonized LCA-based method for calculating negative emissions and other environmental impact categories within CCUS value chains in order to avoid double-counting benefits among the various actors in the value chain.
3. Present the proposals in relevant forums, such as the Mission Innovation LCA/TEA Technical Track and at international conferences.
What will the project do in terms of activities?
1. A literature review to update the state-of-the-art. The study will evaluate both specific WtE (Waste-to-Energy) value chains and CCUS value chains for other processes and industries. The goal is to identify potential differences in LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodological approaches for assessing CCUS value chains. This includes aspects such as system boundaries, the use of negative vs. avoided emissions, how biogenic CO₂ emissions are accounted for, and the assessment of environmental impact categories beyond climate impact.
2. Conduct an LCA of two relevant cases, both to be analyzed as both CCS and CCU value chains. The following steps should be carried out:
a. Define system boundaries and functional unit.
b. Obtain transparent and well-documented LCA data.
c. Analyze the same systems using different LCA-based approaches to understand how varying system boundaries impact potential differences in results, the risk of double-counting benefits, and how this may affect business models for different stakeholders. Additionally, propose an allocation model for emissions reductions from CCS to various products.
d. Document results for selected environmental impact categories beyond climate impact.
3. Develop a proposal for a harmonized LCA-based method for CCUS value chains, as a basis for critical review by external LCA experts.
4. Document the work in a report and present the results to Mission Innovation and other relevant forums.

Future plans?
The project aims to provide participating partners and other stakeholders in the CCUS value chain with a better understanding of establishing business models based on environmental and resource efficiency. This ensures the avoidance of double-counting of benefits. In this way, the project will be important for developing realistic plans for establishing CCUS in WtE and other value chains, contributing to increased market value for both processes and products.