Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Definition

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes, preventing CO2 from entering the atmosphere. By isolating CO2 before it can contribute to climate change, CCS plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of greenhouse gases while allowing continued use of fossil fuels during the transition to cleaner energy sources.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% from large point sources like coal-fired power plants and cement factories.
2. The process typically involves three steps: capturing CO2 at the source, transporting it to a storage site, and injecting it into deep underground rock formations for long-term storage.
3. Natural features such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers are often used for CO2 storage due to their ability to securely contain the gas.
4. Investment in CCS technology can create jobs and stimulate economic growth in regions reliant on fossil fuel industries while helping to meet climate targets.
5. CCS is viewed as a vital component of achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century, complementing other strategies like energy efficiency and renewable energy deployment.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage contribute to climate change mitigation efforts?
  • Carbon capture and storage significantly contributes to climate change mitigation by capturing up to 90% of CO2 emissions from large industrial sources before they can enter the atmosphere. This technology allows for the continued use of fossil fuels while addressing greenhouse gas emissions, bridging the gap during the transition to renewable energy sources. By effectively reducing atmospheric CO2 levels, CCS is essential in efforts to limit global warming and meet international climate goals.
• Discuss the potential economic impacts of implementing carbon capture and storage technology in industries dependent on fossil fuels.
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage technology can have various economic impacts on industries dependent on fossil fuels. On one hand, CCS can help these industries comply with increasingly strict environmental regulations by reducing emissions. This can lead to continued operations and job preservation in sectors facing transition challenges. On the other hand, significant investment is required for developing CCS infrastructure, which may pose financial risks. However, successful implementation could stimulate job creation in technology development and project management.
• Evaluate the role of carbon capture and storage in achieving global net-zero emissions targets by mid-century, considering its advantages and limitations.
  • Carbon capture and storage plays a crucial role in achieving global net-zero emissions targets by mid-century as it provides a method for reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel manufacturing. One advantage of CCS is its ability to allow continued use of fossil fuels during the transition period while significantly cutting down on greenhouse gases. However, limitations include high costs, potential risks associated with long-term storage integrity, and public acceptance concerns. A balanced approach that includes CCS alongside aggressive renewable energy deployment and energy efficiency improvements will be necessary for comprehensive climate action.

Related terms

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A colorless gas that is a natural component of Earth's atmosphere, produced by burning fossil fuels and organic matter, as well as through respiration.

Renewable Energy: Energy generated from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, serving as an alternative to fossil fuels.

Sequestration: The process of storing carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases in underground geological formations to prevent them from entering the atmosphere.