Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is an emerging technology that captures and stores carbon dioxide (CO2), one of the primary greenhouse gases that is responsible for global warming. This captured CO2 is then stored in geological formations such such as deep underground aquifers, depleted oil and gas reservoirs and coal beds. The stored CO2 can remain in these formations for thousands of years, preventing it from contributing to the build-up of atmospheric greenhouse gases and global warming.
CCS technologies can be employed either pre- or post-combustion. Pre-combustion technologies involve converting solid fuel (such as coal or biomass) into a gas, capturing the resulting CO2 and then storing it. Post-combustion technologies capture CO2 when it’s naturally produced after the coal or biomass fuel has been burnt and can be stored in the same way.
There are several different methods of carbon capture and storage, with their effectiveness varying depending on the type of fuel being burned. Carbon capture and storage can be used with coal or natural gas fired power plants, refineries, heavy industries or even the transport industry.
Carbon capture and storage technology has been developed in response to increasing global concerns surrounding the contribution of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions to climate change. Though the technology is still in its relative infancy, if applied and adopted more widely it has the potential to significantly reduce global warming.
CCS technologies also present a potential opportunity for large-scale economies of scale – economies in which investments in efficient production bring down costs over time – as the technology is developed and more widely adopted. This could bring down the cost of CO2-emitting energy sources and make them more competitive in the market.
Ultimately, the challenge for the global community is to develop a wide ranging portfolio of low-carbon energy sources including CCS and other technologies such as carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), renewable sources, reforestation and conservation. This would enable the world to move closer to a low-carbon economy, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
In order to meet the challenge of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, CCS technology must become economically competitive, which may be difficult given the technological and economic challenges associated with carbon capture and storage. Despite this, with the right policy environment, investments and incentives to encourage innovation, the global community could promote and realize the benefits of CCS technology.
Ultimately, the potential of CCS technology is dependent on continued investments and research and development in order for it to become competitive. If research and development can overcome the technological and economic challenges, as well as incentivize further investment, CCS could play a critical role in mitigating climate change.
