Carbon capture and storage

Definition

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology designed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes by capturing the CO2 before it enters the atmosphere, transporting it, and storing it underground in geological formations. This process is crucial for mitigating climate change and achieving sustainability by helping to lower greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS can reduce CO2 emissions from large sources by up to 90%, making it a vital tool in efforts to combat climate change.
2. The captured carbon dioxide can be stored in various geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers.
3. Implementing CCS is considered essential for achieving net-zero emissions targets set by many countries to limit global warming.
4. The technology requires significant investment for infrastructure development, making its widespread implementation a challenge.
5. CCS is not a standalone solution; it must be combined with other strategies like renewable energy use and energy efficiency improvements.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
  • Carbon capture and storage contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by capturing CO2 before it is released into the atmosphere from power plants and industrial facilities. Once captured, the CO2 is transported and stored underground in geological formations, preventing its contribution to climate change. By significantly lowering emissions from fossil fuel combustion, CCS plays an important role in achieving sustainability goals.
• Evaluate the economic challenges associated with implementing carbon capture and storage technology on a large scale.
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage technology on a large scale faces several economic challenges. The initial costs for building the necessary infrastructure can be very high, which may deter investment. Additionally, there are ongoing operational costs related to monitoring and maintaining the storage sites. Governments may need to provide incentives or subsidies to encourage companies to adopt CCS technology, particularly when fossil fuels remain cheaper than renewable energy sources.
• Synthesize how carbon capture and storage aligns with global efforts to combat climate change while addressing energy needs.
  • Carbon capture and storage aligns with global efforts to combat climate change by providing a method to reduce emissions from fossil fuel usage while still meeting energy demands. By capturing CO2 from power plants that rely on fossil fuels, CCS allows for continued use of these energy sources during the transition to more sustainable practices. This technology offers a bridge between current energy production methods and future renewable solutions, facilitating a more gradual shift towards achieving net-zero emissions while maintaining energy reliability.

Related terms

Greenhouse gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and climate change; examples include CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide.

Fossil fuels: Natural resources such as coal, oil, and natural gas that are burned for energy, releasing significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Geological sequestration: The process of storing captured carbon dioxide in underground rock formations, ensuring it does not contribute to atmospheric CO2 levels.