Research on CCUS Source–Sink Matching and Its Cluster Deployment for Coal‐Fired Power Plants in North China

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is a key technology for enabling the large‐scale, low‐carbon utilization of fossil fuels. Scientific and rational source–sink matching is an important basis for site selection in CCUS cluster deployment projects. This study focuses on geological formations in North China, such as saline aquifers, coalfields, oil fields, and gas fields. First, it explores methods for assessing the CO2 geological storage potential of each formation type. Second, it discusses CCUS source–sink matching and pipeline network optimization methods based on the saving mileage method and the least‐cost path method. Subsequently, it conducts source–sink matching research for CCUS cluster deployment in North China. Finally, it puts forward recommendations for the cluster deployment of CCUS in the region. The research findings indicate that over a 30‐year planning horizon, the cumulative CO2 emissions from 16 large coal‐fired power plants in North China are nearly 5.0 billion tons. The total geological storage potential for CO2 in the region is 16.0 billion tons, with saline aquifers offering a distinct storage advantage. After pipeline network optimization, saline aquifers, coal seams, and oil fields can store a total of 3.05 billion tons, 1.47 billion tons, and 0.48 billion tons of CO2, respectively. The optimized plan requires a cumulative planned pipeline length of 2399.5 km and a total investment of $299.97 billion. Compared to the initial plan, pipeline length and cumulative investment can be reduced by 39.83% and 13.64%, respectively. By utilizing the cost path analysis tool in ArcGIS, the impacts of factors such as terrain slope, land‐use type, road traffic, and population density on the CCUS pipeline network layout can be comprehensively considered. The CCUS cluster deployment in North China can focus on regions such as those south of the Yin Mountains, east of the Taihang Mountains, south of the Yanshan Mountains, and the southern part of the Qinshui Basin. It is essential to fully leverage the advantages of saline aquifers. Demonstration projects should be established on a cluster basis to streamline the overall layout of the CCUS pipeline network. The study identified source–sink matching schemes that can integrate different regions: by connecting CO2 Emission Source No. 10 with No. 3, Storage Sink No. 8 with No. 4, and Storage Sink No. 1 with Emission Source No. 6, the various CCUS cluster deployment areas in North China can be integrated into a unified whole. This study provides theoretical support for the implementation of CCUS cluster deployment and demonstration projects in North China.