Carbon capture and storage

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. This method plays a critical role in pollution prevention and control strategies by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and helping to mitigate climate change. CCS involves capturing the CO2, transporting it to a storage site, and then securely storing it underground in geological formations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS can potentially reduce global CO2 emissions by up to 14% by 2050 if widely implemented.
2. The technology involves three main steps: capture, transport, and storage of CO2.
3. Captured CO2 can be stored in various geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers.
4. CCS is considered crucial for industries that are hard to decarbonize, like cement and steel production.
5. The implementation of CCS projects requires significant investment and regulatory frameworks to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Review Questions

• How does carbon capture and storage contribute to pollution prevention strategies?
  • Carbon capture and storage directly contributes to pollution prevention strategies by capturing CO2 emissions before they reach the atmosphere. This process helps mitigate the impact of greenhouse gases on climate change. By employing CCS technology in industries and power plants, significant amounts of carbon dioxide can be removed from the emissions profile, leading to cleaner air and reduced environmental impact.
• Discuss the challenges associated with implementing carbon capture and storage on a large scale.
  • Implementing carbon capture and storage on a large scale faces several challenges, including high costs related to technology development and deployment. Additionally, there are regulatory hurdles concerning the safe transportation and long-term storage of CO2. Public perception and understanding of CCS also play a role in its acceptance, as communities may be concerned about potential risks associated with underground storage.
• Evaluate the potential impact of carbon capture and storage on achieving global climate goals in relation to other pollution control methods.
  • Evaluating the potential impact of carbon capture and storage on achieving global climate goals reveals that CCS could play a vital role alongside other pollution control methods. While renewable energy sources significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels, CCS provides a necessary solution for sectors that cannot easily transition away from carbon-intensive processes. When integrated with renewable technologies and energy efficiency measures, CCS enhances the overall strategy for reaching emission reduction targets outlined in international agreements like the Paris Accord.

Related terms

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

geological storage: The process of placing captured CO2 into underground rock formations to prevent its release into the atmosphere, ensuring long-term containment.

renewable energy: Energy derived from natural processes that are replenished at a faster rate than they are consumed, such as solar, wind, and hydro power.