Carbon capture and storage

Definition

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes, preventing the gas from entering the atmosphere. This process involves capturing CO2 at its source, transporting it to a storage site, and securely storing it underground in geological formations. CCS is considered a crucial strategy for mitigating climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and addressing industrial emissions that significantly impact global biogeochemical cycles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS technology can capture up to 90% of the carbon dioxide emissions from power plants and industrial facilities.
2. Captured CO2 can be utilized in various applications, including enhanced oil recovery, where it is used to extract additional oil from reservoirs.
3. The storage sites for CO2 must be carefully selected to ensure that they are geologically suitable and can contain the gas without leakage.
4. Implementing CCS can help industries that are hard to decarbonize, like cement and steel production, reduce their carbon footprint.
5. While CCS is a promising technology for reducing emissions, it faces challenges including high costs, public acceptance, and regulatory issues.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in industrial processes?
  • Carbon capture and storage plays a vital role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon dioxide directly at its source during industrial processes. By preventing this CO2 from entering the atmosphere, CCS helps mitigate the overall impact of fossil fuel usage on climate change. The technology enables industries that rely heavily on fossil fuels to continue operating while significantly lowering their carbon emissions, thereby supporting the transition toward a more sustainable energy system.
• Evaluate the potential environmental risks associated with geological storage of captured carbon dioxide.
  • The geological storage of captured carbon dioxide carries potential environmental risks, such as the possibility of leakage from storage sites or induced seismicity due to changes in underground pressure. Effective monitoring and site selection are crucial to minimize these risks. Furthermore, public concerns regarding safety and environmental impacts can hinder the deployment of CCS projects. Addressing these concerns through transparency, regulation, and continuous monitoring is essential for building public trust in CCS as a viable solution for climate change.
• Discuss the broader implications of widespread adoption of carbon capture and storage technology on global biogeochemical cycles and climate policy.
  • The widespread adoption of carbon capture and storage technology could have significant implications for global biogeochemical cycles by reducing atmospheric CO2 levels, which in turn may help stabilize climate systems affected by anthropogenic emissions. As nations implement CCS alongside renewable energy solutions, they could achieve more aggressive climate targets outlined in international agreements. However, reliance solely on CCS without concurrent reductions in fossil fuel consumption may undermine efforts to transition to sustainable practices. Thus, integrating CCS into a holistic climate policy approach is vital for long-term success.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming; carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most prevalent among them.

Geological Storage: The process of injecting captured carbon dioxide into deep underground rock formations for long-term storage.

Fossil Fuels: Natural substances such as coal, oil, and natural gas that are burned for energy, releasing significant amounts of carbon dioxide.