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Economic feasibility of offshore carbon capture and utilization systems in Southeast Asia

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  • Corresponding author: Email: chengyee.ng@utp.edu.my 
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    1. Offshore Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) system offers a pathway to reduce carbon emissions in Southeast Asia by leveraging existing offshore infrastructure.

      This study evaluates the economic feasibility of deploying offshore CCU system as a complement to offshore Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Southeast Asia.

      A probabilistic quantitative economic feasibility analysis is applied to address market volatility, revenue fluctuations, and regulatory uncertainties.

      The findings highlight that CCS and CCU face financial challenges when operating separately.

      CCU enhances economic potential by reducing costs, generating revenue from CO2-derived products, and improving overall financial sustainability.

  • Offshore Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) is a promising method to reduce carbon emissions while creating economic value. This study assesses the economic feasibility of an offshore CCU system in Southeast Asia as a complement to offshore Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). A probabilistic quantitative economic feasibility analysis is performed by integrating a conventional financial analysis (CFA) with a probabilistic risk module (PRM) to evaluate cost structures, revenue potential, operational risks, and market uncertainties. The findings show that offshore CCU reduces capital expenditures (CAPEX) by leveraging existing offshore infrastructure and generates revenue from CO2-derived products such as sustainable fuels and chemicals. However, standalone financial viability remains challenging without supportive policy incentives or market-driven mechanisms. Automation and optimization are essential to reduce operational expenditure (OPEX) and improve profitability. Additionally, offshore CCU supports compliance with carbon regulations and strengthens environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. This study highlights offshore CCU as a complementary and sustainable strategy for carbon management. Future work should focus on optimizing CCU technologies and refining carbon policy frameworks to accelerate adoption in Southeast Asia.
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  • Cite this article:

    Ng C.Y., Ong M.C. and Chiu G.L.F. (2025). Economic feasibility of offshore carbon capture and utilization systems in Southeast Asia. The Innovation Energy 2:100100. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2025.100100
    Ng C.Y., Ong M.C. and Chiu G.L.F. (2025). Economic feasibility of offshore carbon capture and utilization systems in Southeast Asia. The Innovation Energy 2:100100. https://doi.org/10.59717/j.xinn-energy.2025.100100

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