Carbon capture and storage

Definition

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes, preventing CO2 from entering the atmosphere. This process involves capturing the gas, transporting it to a storage site, and injecting it deep underground into geological formations for long-term isolation. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, CCS plays a critical role in mitigating climate change and addressing environmental risks associated with rising CO2 levels.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS can potentially reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% from industrial sources when implemented effectively.
2. The technology involves three main steps: capture, transport, and storage, each of which has its own set of challenges and costs.
3. Storage sites for CO2 are typically depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers where the gas can be securely contained for thousands of years.
4. CCS not only addresses climate change but can also enhance oil recovery by injecting captured CO2 into oil fields to push out more oil.
5. Several large-scale CCS projects have been initiated globally, showcasing its potential in reducing carbon footprints while still allowing for fossil fuel use.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage contribute to mitigating climate change?
  • Carbon capture and storage significantly contributes to mitigating climate change by capturing CO2 emissions before they reach the atmosphere. This technology can reduce emissions from major sources like power plants by up to 90%, thus lowering the overall concentration of greenhouse gases. By storing the captured CO2 underground in geological formations, CCS prevents further contributions to global warming, making it a vital tool in climate strategies.
• Discuss the challenges associated with the implementation of carbon capture and storage technologies.
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage technologies presents several challenges, including high costs associated with capturing and transporting CO2. Additionally, finding suitable geological formations for long-term storage is crucial to ensure safety and efficacy. Public acceptance of CCS projects can also pose a challenge due to concerns about potential leaks or environmental impacts. These hurdles must be addressed to enable widespread adoption of CCS as a viable climate solution.
• Evaluate the role of carbon capture and storage in the transition towards a sustainable energy future.
  • The role of carbon capture and storage in transitioning towards a sustainable energy future is multifaceted. It allows for continued use of fossil fuels while significantly reducing emissions, making it an essential bridge technology during the shift towards renewable energy sources. By mitigating climate change impacts and enabling negative emissions through bioenergy with CCS (BECCS), it supports decarbonization efforts. However, its success depends on policy support, technological advancements, and public perception, all of which are critical for integrating CCS into broader climate strategies.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, contributing to global warming.

Sequestration: The process of storing carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases in geological formations or biological systems to prevent their release into the atmosphere.

Renewable Energy: Energy derived from resources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which can reduce reliance on fossil fuels.