Carbon capture and storage

Definition

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technological process aimed at capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from industrial processes and storing it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. This technique plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change by capturing CO2 before it can contribute to global warming, thereby influencing the biogeochemical cycles related to carbon and other nutrients.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS technology can capture up to 90% of CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial facilities.
2. The captured CO2 is typically stored in deep geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers.
3. Implementing CCS can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of industries that are hard to decarbonize, like cement and steel production.
4. Successful CCS projects not only help mitigate climate change but can also enhance oil recovery by injecting CO2 into oil reservoirs.
5. Despite its potential, widespread adoption of CCS faces challenges, including high costs, regulatory hurdles, and public acceptance.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage technology impact the biogeochemical cycle of carbon?
  • Carbon capture and storage technology directly affects the biogeochemical cycle of carbon by removing CO2 emissions from industrial sources before they can be released into the atmosphere. By sequestering this carbon underground, CCS reduces the overall concentration of greenhouse gases in the air, thereby influencing climate patterns and potentially stabilizing carbon levels in the environment. This process helps maintain a balance in the carbon cycle, which is crucial for supporting life on Earth.
• Evaluate the potential benefits and drawbacks of implementing carbon capture and storage at a global scale.
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage on a global scale could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change and meet international climate targets. However, there are notable drawbacks, such as the high costs associated with CCS technology and infrastructure development, potential risks related to CO2 leakage from storage sites, and the need for robust regulatory frameworks to ensure safety. Balancing these benefits and drawbacks is essential for effective policy-making regarding climate change mitigation.
• Design a research proposal that investigates new methods to improve the efficiency of carbon capture technologies and their integration with renewable energy sources.
  • A research proposal could focus on developing advanced materials for more efficient CO2 absorption in carbon capture technologies while investigating how these systems can be integrated with renewable energy sources like wind or solar. This project would involve exploring novel sorbents that enhance capture rates at lower temperatures and pressures. The integration aspect could assess how surplus energy generated from renewables could power CCS systems during peak production times. The goal would be to create a comprehensive model demonstrating how combining these technologies can lead to lower operational costs and increased overall efficiency in reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.

Related terms

Greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect; major examples include CO2, methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

Sequestration: The process of isolating a substance, such as carbon dioxide, from the atmosphere, typically involving storing it in geological formations.

Fossil fuels: Natural substances formed from the remains of ancient organisms, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, that release CO2 when burned for energy.