Integration of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage with Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage and Microalgal Carbon Fixation for Circular Development in the Thermal Power Sector

• • Energy consumption per unit CO2 captured reduced by 30–40% via molten salt TES replacing steam extraction, directly addressing the dominant operational cost in amine-based CCUS. • • Overall carbon fixation efficiency increased by 15–20% through integration of microalgal secondary fixation, extending the carbon utilization chain beyond primary capture. • • Investment payback period shortened to less than five years, indicating economic viability for retrofitting existing CFPP CCUS projects without major capital overhaul. • • Algal sludge converted to biomass fuel for co-firing, closing the carbon loop and reducing waste disposal burden, enhancing circular economy credentials.