CCS

Definition

CCS, or Carbon Capture and Storage, is a technology designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions from sources like power plants and industrial processes, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. This method involves capturing the CO2, transporting it, and storing it underground in geological formations, making it a critical approach in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. CCS technology can reduce up to 90% of CO2 emissions from targeted facilities, significantly mitigating the impact of fossil fuel use.
2. The process typically involves three main steps: capture, transport, and storage of carbon dioxide.
3. Geological formations suitable for CO2 storage include depleted oil and gas fields, deep saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams.
4. CCS has the potential to support the transition to low-carbon energy systems while allowing continued use of existing fossil fuel infrastructure.
5. Investment in CCS research and development is essential for its widespread implementation and to meet global climate targets effectively.

Review Questions

• How does CCS technology work in reducing carbon emissions from industrial processes?
  • CCS technology works by first capturing carbon dioxide emissions produced during industrial processes before they can enter the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then compressed and transported to storage sites, where it is injected deep underground into geological formations. This process helps to significantly reduce the overall carbon footprint of industries that rely on fossil fuels, making it a vital tool in addressing climate change.
• Evaluate the potential risks and benefits associated with the geological storage of CO2 in CCS.
  • The geological storage of CO2 presents several benefits, including significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and enabling continued reliance on fossil fuels during the energy transition. However, potential risks include leakage of stored CO2 back into the atmosphere or groundwater contamination if not managed correctly. Careful site selection, monitoring, and regulatory frameworks are crucial to mitigating these risks while maximizing the effectiveness of CCS.
• Discuss how CCS can be integrated into current energy systems and its implications for achieving global climate goals.
  • Integrating CCS into current energy systems involves retrofitting existing fossil fuel plants with capture technology and developing new facilities designed with CCS capabilities. This integration can help bridge the gap towards a low-carbon future while maintaining energy security. By significantly reducing carbon emissions from major sources, CCS plays a critical role in achieving global climate goals such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement, particularly in scenarios where eliminating fossil fuel use entirely is not immediately feasible.

Related terms

Carbon Dioxide: A colorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels and organic matter, significant for its role as a greenhouse gas in climate change.

Geological Storage: The process of securely storing captured carbon dioxide in deep underground rock formations to prevent it from re-entering the atmosphere.

Fossil Fuels: Natural fuels formed from the remains of ancient organisms, including coal, oil, and natural gas, which are major sources of CO2 emissions when burned.