Carbon capture and storage

Definition

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology designed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes and power generation by capturing CO2 produced before it enters the atmosphere and storing it underground. This method aims to mitigate the impact of fossil fuel usage on climate change by preventing greenhouse gases from contributing to global warming.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS technology involves three main steps: capturing CO2 at its source, transporting it to a storage site, and injecting it underground in geological formations.
2. The technology is seen as crucial for achieving net-zero emissions targets, particularly for industries that are hard to decarbonize, like cement and steel manufacturing.
3. Carbon storage sites are typically located in depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers, where they can safely contain CO2 for thousands of years.
4. Investments in CCS can lead to job creation in technology development, engineering, and energy sectors, potentially boosting local economies.
5. While CCS has potential benefits, it faces challenges such as high costs, public acceptance issues, and concerns about the long-term safety of underground storage.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage contribute to climate change mitigation efforts?
  • Carbon capture and storage plays a significant role in climate change mitigation by reducing the amount of CO2 that is released into the atmosphere from fossil fuel use. By capturing CO2 emissions at their source and storing them underground, CCS helps lower overall greenhouse gas concentrations. This technology is particularly important for industries that are difficult to decarbonize, allowing them to continue operations while minimizing their environmental impact.
• Discuss the economic implications of implementing carbon capture and storage technologies in industrial sectors.
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage technologies has various economic implications for industrial sectors. On one hand, it can require substantial upfront investment for installation and operation, which may deter some companies. On the other hand, CCS can create new job opportunities in engineering and technology fields while promoting innovation within the energy sector. Additionally, successful adoption can help industries comply with increasingly strict emission regulations, potentially leading to long-term cost savings.
• Evaluate the potential challenges and ethical considerations surrounding the use of carbon capture and storage technologies.
  • The use of carbon capture and storage technologies presents several challenges and ethical considerations. One major concern is the high cost associated with CCS implementation, which could divert funds from renewable energy investments. Public acceptance is another challenge; many communities may oppose CO2 storage sites due to fears of leakage or environmental impacts. Ethically, there is a debate on whether CCS could prolong reliance on fossil fuels by providing a false sense of security regarding emissions reduction, rather than prioritizing cleaner energy sources.

Related terms

Greenhouse Gases: Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect; CO2 is the most prevalent among them.

Fossil Fuels: Natural fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas formed from the remains of ancient organisms, which release significant CO2 when burned.

Sequestration: The long-term storage of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to prevent its release into the atmosphere.