Carbon capture and storage

Definition

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes, and then storing it underground in geological formations. This process helps to mitigate climate change by preventing CO2 from entering the atmosphere, contributing to overall emissions reduction efforts.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS can capture up to 90% of the CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial sources, making it a vital technology for reducing global carbon footprints.
2. The captured carbon dioxide is typically transported via pipelines and injected into geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers.
3. CCS is seen as a critical component in achieving net-zero emissions goals, particularly for industries that are hard to decarbonize, like cement and steel production.
4. The technology can be integrated with bioenergy production, leading to negative emissions when combined with CCS, which can further help mitigate climate change.
5. Public acceptance and regulatory frameworks are crucial for the successful implementation of CCS projects, as they often involve long-term storage of CO2 underground.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage technology contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
  • Carbon capture and storage technology plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon dioxide produced from fossil fuel use before it can enter the atmosphere. By implementing CCS at power plants and industrial sites, up to 90% of CO2 emissions can be captured and prevented from contributing to climate change. This helps lower overall emissions and supports initiatives aimed at mitigating global warming.
• Discuss the significance of geological sequestration in the carbon capture and storage process.
  • Geological sequestration is significant in the carbon capture and storage process because it provides a long-term solution for safely storing captured carbon dioxide. By injecting CO2 into deep underground rock formations, such as depleted oil fields or saline aquifers, the gas can be contained indefinitely, reducing the risk of it escaping back into the atmosphere. This process not only enhances the effectiveness of CCS but also helps to alleviate concerns about the permanence of CO2 storage.
• Evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing carbon capture and storage technologies on a global scale.
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage technologies globally presents both challenges and opportunities. Challenges include high costs associated with capturing and transporting CO2, public skepticism regarding safety and effectiveness, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks to oversee long-term storage. However, there are significant opportunities for CCS to play a vital role in achieving net-zero emissions targets, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors. As technology advances and more projects are developed, CCS could become a cornerstone in global efforts to combat climate change while maintaining energy production.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which contribute to global warming.

Fossil Fuels: Natural fuels formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, primarily coal, oil, and natural gas, which release carbon dioxide when burned.

Geological Sequestration: The process of storing captured carbon dioxide in deep underground rock formations to prevent it from reaching the atmosphere.