Carbon capture and storage

Definition

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology aimed at reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes and power generation by capturing CO2 before it enters the atmosphere and storing it underground or in other secure environments. This approach plays a crucial role in addressing global environmental challenges by mitigating the impacts of climate change, enhancing energy efficiency, and supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS can capture up to 90% of the CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial sources when implemented effectively.
2. The process typically involves three main steps: capturing CO2 at its source, transporting it to a storage site, and injecting it deep underground for long-term storage.
3. Storage sites for captured CO2 are often located in depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers, which can securely contain CO2 for thousands of years.
4. CCS not only helps reduce emissions but can also enhance oil recovery when captured CO2 is injected into oil fields, making extraction more efficient.
5. Investment in CCS technology is crucial for meeting global climate goals, as it provides a viable option for decarbonizing sectors that are hard to electrify.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change?
  • Carbon capture and storage contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 produced from industrial processes and power generation before it reaches the atmosphere. By storing this captured CO2 underground or in secure environments, CCS plays a vital role in mitigating climate change impacts. This technology is especially important for industries that are difficult to decarbonize through other means, ensuring they can continue to operate while lowering their carbon footprints.
• Evaluate the potential challenges associated with implementing carbon capture and storage technology on a global scale.
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage technology globally faces several challenges, including high costs of installation and operation, the need for extensive infrastructure for transportation and storage, and concerns regarding the long-term safety of stored CO2. Additionally, public perception and regulatory frameworks can influence acceptance and implementation. Overcoming these challenges requires significant investment, innovation in technology, and collaboration between governments, industries, and communities.
• Critically analyze the role of carbon capture and storage in achieving net-zero emissions goals by 2050.
  • Carbon capture and storage plays a critical role in achieving net-zero emissions goals by 2050 as it offers a practical solution for industries that cannot easily transition to renewable energy. As part of a broader strategy that includes reducing reliance on fossil fuels and increasing energy efficiency, CCS can significantly lower emissions from hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel manufacturing. However, relying solely on CCS without concurrent efforts to reduce overall fossil fuel consumption may undermine long-term sustainability objectives. Therefore, an integrated approach combining CCS with renewable energy adoption is essential for effectively reaching net-zero targets.

Related terms

Greenhouse gases: Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change, including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Renewable energy: Energy derived from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Carbon footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, often expressed in equivalent tons of CO2.