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Carbon Capture and Storage

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Carbon Capture and Storage: A Key to Fighting Climate Change

What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a groundbreaking technology designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial processes or the atmosphere, preventing them from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. The captured CO₂ is then stored underground or repurposed for industrial use.

How Does CCS Work?

1. Capturing CO₂

CO₂ is captured from major emission sources such as power plants, factories, and even directly from the air through Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies.

  • Pre-Combustion Capture: Extracts CO₂ before fossil fuels are burned.
  • Post-Combustion Capture: Captures CO₂ after fossil fuels are burned, typically from flue gases.
  • Oxyfuel Combustion: Burns fuel in pure oxygen, producing a CO₂-rich exhaust that’s easier to capture.

2. Transporting CO₂

Once captured, CO₂ is compressed and transported via pipelines, ships, or trucks to designated storage sites. This step ensures safe and efficient handling.

3. Storing CO₂

The CO₂ is injected into deep underground geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, or unmineable coal seams. These formations act as natural CO₂ traps, ensuring long-term storage.

Innovative Applications of CCS

  1. Direct Air Capture (DAC)
    Machines extract CO₂ directly from the air, even in areas without industrial emissions.
    • Example: Climeworks, a company in Iceland, has built facilities that trap CO₂ and store it in basalt rock formations.
  2. Carbon Utilization
    Captured CO₂ can be transformed into valuable products like synthetic fuels, concrete, plastics, or even diamonds.
    • Example: CarbonCure Technologies injects CO₂ into concrete to make it stronger and reduce emissions.
  3. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
    CO₂ is injected into oil fields to extract more oil while simultaneously storing the CO₂ underground.

Benefits of CCS

  1. Reduces Emissions:
    CCS can capture up to 90% of CO₂ emissions from industrial processes, making it a critical tool for decarbonizing heavy industries.
  2. Supports Net-Zero Goals:
    CCS is essential for sectors like cement, steel, and chemicals, where emissions are hard to eliminate.
  3. Boosts Renewable Energy:
    Captured CO₂ can be stored for later use in synthetic fuels, helping integrate renewables into the energy mix.
  4. Mitigates Climate Change:
    By removing CO₂ already in the atmosphere, CCS contributes to reversing global warming.

Challenges and Solutions

Challenges

  • High Costs: Implementing CCS technology and building infrastructure can be expensive.
  • Energy Requirements: Capturing and storing CO₂ demands energy, reducing overall efficiency.
  • Public Perception: Concerns about safety and environmental risks can slow adoption.

Solutions

  • Scaling Up: Increased adoption can lower costs through economies of scale.
  • Government Support: Subsidies, tax credits, and carbon pricing can encourage investment.
  • Innovation: Advances in technology are making CCS more efficient and affordable.

Global CCS Projects

  1. Sleipner Project (Norway):
    Operational since 1996, it stores about 1 million tons of CO₂ annually in a saline aquifer.
  2. Petra Nova (USA):
    One of the largest CCS power plants in the world, capturing CO₂ from coal-fired electricity generation.
  3. Orca Plant (Iceland):
    A Direct Air Capture facility turning CO₂ into stone using basalt rock storage.
  4. Gorgon Project (Australia):
    This project is designed to store up to 4 million tons of CO₂ annually in underground formations.

The Role of CCS in Achieving Climate Goals

The International Energy Agency (IEA) and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) emphasize the importance of CCS in limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C. By capturing emissions from fossil fuels and heavy industries, CCS bridges the gap between current energy needs and the transition to a clean energy future.

What Can Individuals Do to Support CCS?

  • Advocate for Policies: Support government policies that fund CCS research and projects.
  • Choose Low-Carbon Products: Opt for products made using captured CO₂.
  • Stay Informed: Spread awareness about the importance of CCS in combating climate change.

Conclusion

Carbon Capture and Storage is not just a technology—it’s a pathway to a cleaner, more sustainable future. By capturing emissions at their source and removing existing CO₂ from the atmosphere, CCS offers hope in the fight against climate change. With continued investment and innovation, this technology could become a cornerstone of global climate action.