The value of low- and negative-carbon fuels in the transition to net-zero emission economies: Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions and cost assessments across multiple fuel types

In recent macro-energy systems modeling studies of net-zero emissions pathways for the United States and elsewhere, fuels made via gasification sustainably produced biomass coupled with carbon capture storage (CCS) play critical roles in achieving economy-wide greenhouse gas because they provide carbon-negative energy carriers. this study, we develop lifecycle (GHG) cost assessments to insights into environmental economic value hydrogen (H2), synthetic natural (SNG), Fischer-Tropsch liquid (FTL) from 1) biomass, CCS, 2) gas, 3) renewably-generated electricity. We find that H2 production are less costly decarbonize than FTL SNG use same input feedstock also largest reductions GHG per unit delivered fuel. Sensitivity analyses on levelized costs mitigation (LCCM) indicate capital capacity factors influential most pathways. Costs processes as more sensitive changes intensity other processes. Finally, fuel starting including CCS have highest potentials among all They lowest beyond certain threshold emission price levels. Our findings help explain role biomass-based plays system models U.S. transition emissions.