Carbon capture and storage

Definition

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology that involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes, transporting the captured CO2, and storing it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. This process is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change while enabling the continued use of fossil fuels in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS can potentially reduce CO2 emissions from industrial sources by up to 90%, making it a significant tool in climate mitigation efforts.
2. The captured CO2 is typically transported via pipelines to storage sites, which can be deep geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or saline aquifers.
3. Implementing CCS technology can enhance the feasibility of continuing fossil fuel use while transitioning to renewable energy sources.
4. The cost of capturing and storing CO2 has been decreasing due to technological advancements, but it still requires substantial investment and infrastructure.
5. Successful CCS projects can not only mitigate climate change but also create economic opportunities through jobs in engineering, construction, and monitoring services.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage contribute to mitigating climate change while allowing for continued use of fossil fuels?
  • Carbon capture and storage plays a key role in mitigating climate change by capturing CO2 emissions produced during fossil fuel combustion before they enter the atmosphere. This allows for the continued use of fossil fuels in energy generation while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By enabling this transition, CCS acts as a bridge technology that can help stabilize current energy systems while supporting the shift towards renewable energy sources.
• Discuss the challenges associated with implementing carbon capture and storage technology on a large scale.
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage technology at a large scale faces several challenges, including high costs related to capturing and transporting CO2, the need for extensive infrastructure development, and regulatory hurdles regarding site selection for storage. Additionally, public acceptance can be an obstacle due to concerns about safety and environmental impacts. Addressing these challenges is critical for realizing the full potential of CCS in reducing global carbon emissions.
• Evaluate the long-term viability of carbon capture and storage as a solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the context of global energy transitions.
  • The long-term viability of carbon capture and storage as a solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions hinges on several factors. It must be integrated into broader strategies that include renewable energy development, energy efficiency improvements, and policy support to create a sustainable low-carbon economy. While CCS offers significant potential for mitigating emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, reliance solely on this technology without transitioning towards renewables may not suffice for achieving net-zero goals. Continuous advancements in CCS technology will be essential for its role in a diversified approach to combating climate change.

Related terms

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

Fossil Fuels: Natural substances like coal, oil, and natural gas formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, widely used for energy.

Sequestration: The process of storing carbon dioxide in geological formations underground, preventing it from contributing to climate change.