Traditionally, decisions regarding equipment upgrades, like replacing a natural gas-fired heater’s combustion control system, were based on the cost of new hardware and the potential for fuel cost savings.
However, Control writes, the long-term return on investment often dampens enthusiasm for such projects. Today, sustainability is increasingly becoming a crucial factor. Control introduces the marginal abatement cost curve (MACC) as a tool for analyzing projects based on the amount of carbon emissions reduced relative to their cost in a recent article.
MACC graphs present a visual representation where each project is assessed for its carbon reduction capacity versus the expense incurred. Projects are graphically represented by rectangles, with the width indicating CO2e reduction and the height showing the cost per ton. Notably, carbon capture and storage (CCS) are highlighted for their relatively low cost and high CO2e reduction, while projects like green hydrogen production are criticized for high costs and minimal CO2e reduction.
Control underscores the importance of strategic planning and analysis in implementing sustainability initiatives. It emphasizes that a comprehensive list of potential projects must be compiled through brainstorming sessions involving diverse stakeholders.
