ESF Presentation

How Is Your Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC) Performing?

Carbon capture and reduction is a global mandate. All industries and organizations are developing strategic plans to mitigate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from their products and process technologies. One tool, The Marginal Abatement Cost Curve (MACC), is a powerful analytic solution that helps organizations strategically plan their decarbonization efforts.
How is your marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) performing?
Carugo, M. and S. P. Emerson, “Planning a practical path to net-zero,” Hydrocarbon Processing, February 2024.

Title: Generic MACC – Project Cost per ton CO₂-e vs Total CO₂e Reduction p.a.
Source: Carugo, M. and S. P. Emerson, “Planning a practical path to net-zero,” Hydrocarbon Processing, February 2024.

Tools to Plan Abatement and Decarbonization

The MACC is a comprehensive analytic process focused on CO2 costs in planning decarbonization projects. As shown in the figure, quantifying the cost per ton of CO2 in reduction projects has a significant financial impact. With MACC, businesses can prioritize initiatives based on economic viability and environmental impact. Companies can use this data-driven approach to select CO2-reduction projects that meet sustainability goals and provide ROI.

At The Catalyst Group (TCG), we empower leaders with the insights, strategies, and resources to navigate the ever-evolving regulatory and process technology environment. Here’s how:

Business Planning Strategy For Profitability

Why MACC Matters in Any Net-Zero Project

The MACC helps companies:

Prioritize High-Impact Initiatives: Focus on the most cost-effective projects with the highest environmental benefits.

Align with Carbon Pricing Goals: Strategically manage internal carbon pricing to ensure projects meet ROI requirements while driving sustainability.

Balance Innovation with Feasibility: Assess which emerging technologies provide real-world impact without overextending resources.

Critical Factors to Evaluate Before Investing

MACC is a flexible tool for greenfield projects or site remediation. This methodology evaluates external factors influencing long-term investment strategies.

 

Key assessment criteria include:

Carbon offsets, credits, taxes, and incentives

Maximize savings by leveraging financial subsidies.

Advancements in catalysts, separations, and pipeline technologies

Reduce costs and improve operating efficiency with the latest innovations.

Technology reliability and risk

Evaluate and mitigate investment risks across technology maturity stages.

Permitting, engineering, and infrastructure

Design for regulatory compliance and infrastructure needs.

Local climate and logistics

Evaluate how regional climate affects operations and value chains.

Regional climate and carbon regulations

Plan for both present and future regulatory policies and changes beyond 2035.

Carbon intensity goals for scopes 1, 2, and 3

Safeguard compliance with evolving carbon costs and intensity targets.

CCUS logistics

Account for transport and storage expenses for captured carbon.

Renewable power costs and electrification

Assess investment and potential for renewable power integration.

.S. MSW Gasification for eFuels. Risk benchmarking evaluated modern vs. legacy technologies for municipal solid waste feedstock.

Developing a High-Level Path to NetZero

Achieving high ROI for any decarbonization project requires using reliable, proven technologies. The TCG’s real-world case studies illustrate different decarbonization approaches:

Case 1: Middle East Syngas Producer. New catalysts, CO2 separation, and recycling operations:

  • Achieved a 1% product yield improvement, adding $60-70 million annually
  • Attained significant CO2 reductions.

Case 2: Asia/Pacific CO2 Capture Roadmap. Deployed liquid, solid, and membrane hybrid technologies for CO2 utilization with support from corporate venture capital.

Case 3: U.S. MSW Gasification for eFuels. Risk benchmarking evaluated modern vs. legacy technologies for municipal solid waste feedstock.

Emerging Pipeline Technologies Shaping Project Profitability

Cost-effective decarbonization involves technology-driven solutions:

Renewable diesel (RD) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)

Optimize production costs through more efficient processes.

Separation technologies for olefins, paraffins, and CO2

Use membranes, adsorbents, and hybrid systems.

Biofeedstock supply chains

Strengthen acquisition strategies for lower-cost sustainable resources.

Advanced storage solutions

Maximize renewable energy usage with thermal and electricity storage systems.

Electrolyzer CAPEX reductions

Scale up green hydrogen production that supports electrochemical conversion and reduces total costs.

Government-backed CCUS approvals

Leverage faster timelines for global CCUS permitting and completion.

Let’s build a Better Future Today!

Partner with The Catalyst Group to accelerate your sustainability journey. Let’s collaborate to build a successful, impactful, and environmentally responsible future.

How The Catalyst Group Can Help You Lead the Energy Transition

With over 40 years of expertise, TCG combines in-depth industry knowledge and an extensive network of experienced professionals. We supported decarbonization and sustainability initiatives since 2010, ahead of the “Net Zero by 2050” movement. Here’s how TCG gives you the edge:
Industry Collaboration

2024 IETD Consortium: Access the latest insights on CCUS, biofuels, hydrogen economy, power-to-X, and circular economy trends.

Techno-Economic Reports: Stay updated on technology advancements through weekly briefs, virtual sessions, and detailed reports.

Access to Global Experts: Connect with leading scientists and industry experts for energy and sustainability information.

Peer Networking Opportunities: Collaborate with leading companies to unlock new partnerships and business development opportunities.

Unlock your company's potential

 At TCGC, we’re more than consultants—we’re partners. We can assist your company in exploring new opportunities to achieve your decarbonization goals.

Contact Us