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 industrial processes and energy generation, and then transporting and storing it underground to prevent its release into the atmosphere. This method plays a vital role in greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies by allowing for the continued use of fossil fuels while minimizing their environmental impact.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS involves three main steps: capturing CO2 from emission sources, transporting it to a storage site, and storing it underground in geological formations.
2. The technology can significantly lower emissions from power plants and industries, helping meet climate targets while maintaining energy production.
3. Storage sites for captured CO2 are often depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers, which can securely contain the gas for thousands of years.
4. CCS is viewed as a crucial component in achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, alongside renewable energy sources and energy efficiency improvements.
5. Public acceptance and regulatory frameworks are essential for the successful deployment of CCS projects, as they often face challenges related to safety and environmental concerns.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage technology function to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions?
  • Carbon capture and storage functions by first capturing carbon dioxide emissions from industrial processes or power plants before they reach the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then transported via pipelines or other means to a secure storage site where it is injected deep underground into geological formations. This process not only reduces overall emissions but also allows for continued fossil fuel use in a more sustainable manner.
• Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of implementing carbon capture and storage on a large scale.
  • The potential benefits of implementing carbon capture and storage include significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the ability to utilize existing fossil fuel infrastructure while transitioning to cleaner energy sources, and contributions toward meeting international climate goals. However, challenges exist such as high costs of technology development and deployment, public perception issues regarding safety, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure environmental protection during CO2 transport and storage.
• Assess the role of carbon capture and storage in achieving net-zero emissions targets globally and discuss its long-term implications.
  • Carbon capture and storage plays a critical role in achieving global net-zero emissions targets by providing a method to mitigate emissions from sectors that are hard to decarbonize, such as cement and steel production. Its long-term implications include enabling continued reliance on fossil fuels while transitioning to renewable energy sources, contributing to energy security, and potentially facilitating negative emissions through technologies like bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). However, reliance on CCS must be balanced with investments in renewable energy to ensure a sustainable energy future.

Related terms

Sequestration: The process of storing carbon dioxide in geological formations to prevent its release into the atmosphere.

Fossil Fuels:

Natural substances such as coal, oil, and natural gas that release carbon dioxide when burned for energy.

Greenhouse Gas: Gases like CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming.