As the world races towards reaching net zero carbon emissions, it’s becoming increasingly clear that there is no single solution to the problem of climate change. Instead, a combination of technologies, policies, and behavioral changes will be needed to achieve this ambitious goal. One of the technologies that are gaining attention as a potential solution is carbon capture and storage (CCS). This technology has the potential to significantly reduce emissions from industries such as power generation and manufacturing, as well as from sources such as agriculture and waste. In this blog post, we will explore the significance of CCS in reaching net zero carbon emissions and the challenges that must be overcome for this technology to be widely adopted.
What is carbon capture and storage?
Carbon capture and storage is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes or power generation, and stores the captured CO2 underground. The goal is to prevent CO2 from entering the atmosphere, where it contributes to global warming and climate change. CCS is considered a crucial component of the world’s efforts to reach net zero carbon emissions, as it allows us to continue to use fossil fuels while mitigating their impact on the environment.
How does carbon capture and storage work?
The process of carbon capture and storage begins with the capture of CO2 emissions from power plants or industrial processes. This is typically done using special filters or chemical reactions that trap the CO2 before it is released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then compressed and transported, usually by pipeline, to an underground storage site. The CO2 is injected into the storage site, where it is trapped in geological formations such as depleted oil and gas fields, deep saline aquifers, or unmineable coal seams.
The significance of carbon capture and storage in reaching net zero carbon emissions
There are several reasons why carbon capture and storage is considered significant in reaching net zero carbon emissions:
Reduction of emissions from industrial processes: CCS can be used to reduce emissions from industrial processes such as cement manufacturing, steel production, and chemical processing. These industries are responsible for a significant portion of global emissions, and it is difficult to imagine a pathway to net zero emissions that does not involve significant reductions in emissions from these sectors.
Continued use of fossil fuels: Despite the growth of renewable energy, fossil fuels are likely to remain an important part of the world’s energy mix for the foreseeable future. CCS allows us to continue to use fossil fuels while mitigating their impact on the environment.
Cost-effectiveness: CCS is considered cost-effective compared to other methods of reducing emissions from industrial processes and power generation. For example, it is less expensive to retrofit existing power plants with CCS technology than it is to build new, low-carbon power plants.
Climate mitigation: By preventing CO2 emissions from entering the atmosphere, CCS can play a significant role in mitigating climate change. In addition, the captured CO2 can be used for enhanced oil recovery, further reducing emissions.
Challenges to the adoption of carbon capture and storage
Despite its potential benefits, there are several challenges that must be overcome for CCS to be widely adopted. While CCS is considered cost-effective compared to other methods of reducing emissions, the upfront costs of capturing and storing CO2 can be significant. This is a barrier to widespread adoption, especially for smaller companies and countries. There is a lack of public awareness and understanding about CCS, and some people are concerned about the safety and environmental impact of injecting CO2 underground. Furthermore, CCS is still a relatively new technology, and there are still technical challenges. To learn more, companies should try to learn from peers and industry experts.
The Global Summit on Scope 3 Emissions Reduction will bring together key industry experts to learn more about reporting strategies & carbon data management in a small-scale, industry-driven event, on 20-21st April 2023 in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The two-day, hybrid event features in-depth case studies of supply chain transformation, carbon accounting, and networking breaks dedicated to exchanging insights and expertise on tackling Scope 3 emissions. Visit future-bridge.eu and netzero-events.com or follow us on our social media to track other energy use and decarbonization events.
