Criteria Glossary for CCUS Technology Types

Technology Readiness Level The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) reflects the maturity of a technology specifically in the context of its application to carbon capture.
Level 1	Basic principles of concept are observed and reported. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Activities might include paper studies of a technology’s basic properties.
Level 2	Technology concept and/or application formulated. Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Activities are limited to analytic studies.
Level 3	Analytical and experimental critical function and/or proof of concept. Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and/or laboratory studies. Activities might include components that are not yet integrated or representative.
Level 4	Component and/or validation in a laboratory environment. Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. Activities include integration of “ad hoc” hardware in the laboratory.
Level 5	Component and/or validation in a simulated environment. The basic technological components are integrated for testing in a simulated environment. Activities include laboratory integration of components.
Level 6	System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a simulated environment. A model or prototype that represents a near desired configuration. Activities include testing in a simulated operational environment or laboratory.
Level 7	Prototype ready for demonstration in an appropriate operational environment. Prototype at planned operational level and is ready for demonstration in an operational environment. Activities include prototype field testing.
Level 8	Actual technology completed and qualified through tests and demonstrations. Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. Activities include developmental testing and evaluation of whether it will meet operational requirements.
Level 9	Actual technology proven through successful deployment in an operational setting. Actual application of the technology in its final form and under real-life conditions, such as those encountered in operational tests and evaluations. Activities include using the innovation under operational conditions.

Technology Readiness Level

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) reflects the maturity of a technology specifically in the context of its application to carbon capture.

Level 1

Basic principles of concept are observed and reported.

Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Activities might include paper studies of a technology’s basic properties.

Level 2

Technology concept and/or application formulated.

Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Activities are limited to analytic studies.

Level 3

Analytical and experimental critical function and/or proof of concept.

Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and/or laboratory studies. Activities might include components that are not yet integrated or representative.

Level 4

Component and/or validation in a laboratory environment.

Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. Activities include integration of “ad hoc” hardware in the laboratory.

Level 5

Component and/or validation in a simulated environment.

The basic technological components are integrated for testing in a simulated environment. Activities include laboratory integration of components.

Level 6

System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a simulated environment.

A model or prototype that represents a near desired configuration. Activities include testing in a simulated operational environment or laboratory.

Level 7

Prototype ready for demonstration in an appropriate operational environment.

Prototype at planned operational level and is ready for demonstration in an operational environment. Activities include prototype field testing.

Level 8

Actual technology completed and qualified through tests and demonstrations.

Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. Activities include developmental testing and evaluation of whether it will meet operational requirements.

Level 9

Actual technology proven through successful deployment in an operational setting.

Actual application of the technology in its final form and under real-life conditions, such as those encountered in operational tests and evaluations. Activities include using the innovation under operational conditions.

Pre-combustion/Post-combustion

Indicates whether CO₂ is captured before or after fuel combustion. Pre-combustion involves gasification or reforming, while post-combustion captures CO₂ from flue gases.

CO₂ Concentration (%), Feed Inlet

Percentage of CO₂ in the incoming gas stream to the carbon capture plant. This is generally in mol%.

Scalability

Ability to scale the technology to different capture volumes.

Footprint, Capture Plant Only, Relative To Post-Combustion Amine Based Capture

Physical space required for the capture plant, relative to a post-combustion amine based capture plant.

CO₂ Purity (vol.%), Product, Dry Basis

The percentage of CO₂ in the final product stream, excluding moisture.

Emissions and Effluent

Byproducts and waste streams generated by the capture process, including any chemical residues, degraded solvents, or process-related contaminants in any phase (i.e., liquid, solid or gas). This category may also include trace components from the original flue gas that are not captured.

Expected Capture Plant Life

The operational lifespan of the capture plant before major refurbishment, replacement, or decommissioning is needed.

Capture Efficiency (%)

The percentage of CO₂ removed from the feed gas stream.

Thermal Energy (GJ/T), Capture Plant Only

The amount of thermal energy required for the capture plant per tonne of CO₂ captured.

Pre-Treatment Needs

Requirements for conditioning the flue gas stream before CO₂ capture, such as removal of particulates or contaminants.

Major Cost Drivers

Key factors that influence the cost of the capture process, such as energy use, materials, and maintenance.

Advantages

Benefits or strengths of the capture technology, such as reduced utility consumption, ease of integration with existing infrastructure, or lower emissions and effluents.

Integration Complexity and Challenges

Challenges and considerations when incorporating the capture system into existing infrastructure, including the potential need to build or retrofit utility systems to support the capture system.

Gaps To Address To Increase TRL, Broader Application, and Commerciality

Technical or operational limitations that must be resolved to improve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) and enable broader commercial application.