Carbon capture and storage

Definition

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes, preventing the gas from entering the atmosphere. By capturing CO2 at its source, CCS plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change, making it an important aspect of climate change mitigation technologies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS technology can reduce CO2 emissions from large industrial sources by up to 90%, significantly contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
2. There are three main steps involved in CCS: capturing carbon dioxide, transporting it to a storage site, and securely storing it underground in geological formations.
3. Various storage methods include using depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers, which can safely contain the CO2 for thousands of years.
4. CCS is often paired with bioenergy production (known as BECCS) to achieve negative emissions, meaning more CO2 is removed from the atmosphere than is emitted.
5. The development of CCS technologies faces challenges, including high costs, regulatory hurdles, and public acceptance regarding the safety of underground storage.

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 carbon dioxide at its source before it can enter the atmosphere. This process prevents a significant amount of CO2 produced during fossil fuel combustion in power plants and industrial processes from contributing to climate change. By effectively isolating this greenhouse gas, CCS can significantly lower overall emissions and support global efforts to mitigate climate change.
• Discuss the three main steps involved in the carbon capture and storage process and their importance.
  • The carbon capture and storage process involves three key steps: capturing carbon dioxide from emission sources, transporting it to a suitable storage site, and storing it securely underground. Capturing CO2 ensures that harmful emissions do not reach the atmosphere. The transportation phase is crucial for moving the captured CO2 to appropriate geological formations where it can be stored safely. Finally, secure storage prevents any potential leakage of CO2 back into the atmosphere, ensuring that the emissions are effectively managed long-term.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by carbon capture and storage technology in achieving widespread implementation.
  • Widespread implementation of carbon capture and storage technology faces several challenges, including high capital costs associated with capturing and storing CO2, complex regulatory frameworks that govern its deployment, and public skepticism regarding the safety of underground storage. Additionally, integrating CCS with existing infrastructure requires substantial investment and innovation. Overcoming these barriers is critical for realizing the full potential of CCS as a viable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions on a large scale.

Related terms

Carbon dioxide (CO2): A colorless gas that is a significant greenhouse gas contributing to global warming, produced by burning fossil fuels and biomass.

Sequestration: The process of storing captured carbon dioxide in underground geological formations to prevent its release into the atmosphere.

Renewable energy:

Energy generated from natural resources that are replenished over short periods, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, which can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels.