Carbon capture and storage

Definition

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology designed to prevent large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2) from entering the atmosphere by capturing it from sources like power plants and storing it underground. This process is crucial in addressing climate change, as it mitigates the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming and supports efforts to transition to a low-carbon economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS involves three main steps: capturing CO2 emissions, transporting the captured CO2 to a storage site, and securely storing it underground in geological formations.
2. The technology can potentially reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power plants by up to 90%, making it a significant tool for climate mitigation.
3. Storage sites for CO2 must be carefully selected to ensure they are geologically stable and can contain the gas indefinitely without leakage.
4. CCS can also be integrated with bioenergy processes (BECCS), which can result in negative emissions by removing CO2 from the atmosphere while generating energy.
5. Investment in CCS technology is essential for meeting international climate targets, as it allows for continued use of fossil fuels while minimizing their environmental impact.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage contribute to climate change mitigation efforts?
  • Carbon capture and storage plays a vital role in climate change mitigation by significantly reducing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere from industrial sources. By capturing emissions before they enter the atmosphere and storing them underground, CCS helps lower overall greenhouse gas concentrations. This is especially important for sectors that are difficult to decarbonize, such as cement and steel production, where alternative technologies may not yet be viable.
• Discuss the technological challenges associated with implementing carbon capture and storage on a large scale.
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage on a large scale faces several technological challenges, including the efficiency of capture methods, the cost of retrofitting existing power plants, and the development of infrastructure for transporting CO2. Additionally, there are concerns about the long-term safety and effectiveness of underground storage sites. Ensuring that these sites do not leak requires advanced monitoring technologies and regulations to guarantee environmental safety.
• Evaluate the potential implications of widespread adoption of carbon capture and storage for global energy systems and climate policy.
  • Widespread adoption of carbon capture and storage could fundamentally reshape global energy systems by allowing continued reliance on fossil fuels while significantly reducing carbon emissions. This could lead to a more gradual transition to renewable energy sources without abrupt economic disruptions. Furthermore, successful CCS deployment would bolster climate policies by providing a credible pathway to meet international climate targets. However, reliance on this technology could also create complacency regarding the urgent need to invest in renewable energy solutions and energy efficiency measures.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, which contribute to climate change.

Renewable Energy: Energy generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Climate Mitigation: Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases, aimed at limiting global warming and its impacts.