Date of Graduation

Spring 5-15-2025

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Allison Luengen

Abstract

Negative Emission Technologies (NET), such as Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage

(BECCS) and Direct Air Capture (DAC), are essential to fight climate change, according to the

IPCC Report 2022. California has set a goal to capture 120 million tons of CO2 by using mixed

methods by 2045. While BECCS can remove CO2 from high emission industries such as ethanol

production, electricity generation, etc., DAC can remove CO2 emissions directly from the

atmosphere by using machine technology. This paper conducts a literature review of the overall

environmental impacts of these technologies. Then it evaluates a hypothetical scenario which

assesses the feasibility of achieving California’s negative emission targets. The findings show

that to capture the targeted 120 million tons of CO2, the state will require 1500 Climeworks

ORCA scale DAC facilities and these facilities will consume between 6,060 GWh to 10,9 GWh

of electricity annually. This is equal to the state’s 4% of the overall energy generation and 9% of

the renewable energy generation. The paper also evaluates the implementation of BECCS to

remove CO2 from high emission industries. It also concludes that, whether a BECCS process

achieves net zero emissions or not depends on its entire life cycle such as biomass need and

production, land usage, construction, transportation, etc. Finally, this paper conducts a survey of

existing policies and analyzes the feasibility above the state’s net zero emission goals. Overall,

limitations of these technologies suggest that relying on these technologies as the main solution

may not serve the best results.

Download

Share

COinS