Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology can significantly lower emissions of CO2, an environmental warming gas. CCS systems can capture CO2 emitted by fossil-fueled power plants, cement/steel facilities and natural sources like decomposing vegetation – not to mention remove historical atmospheric CO2.
CO2 captured during capture is compressed to liquid-like state before being transported via pipeline or ship to storage sites and then injected deep underground geologic formations such as depleted oil reservoirs for injection.
What is CCS?
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an innovative pollution control technique which separates CO2 from fossil fuel emissions before permanently storing it deep underground. CCS technology may also assist technologies known as negative emission technologies to directly remove it from the atmosphere, effectively controlling pollution.
CCS takes place both naturally and artificially; when forests or oceans absorb CO2 from the atmosphere; or artificially when coal-powered power stations use an oxy-combustion process to capture and store it into geological formations such as saline aquifers.
CCS components have been available for decades; however, policies driving its implementation for climate benefit are relatively recent. Unfortunately, in many instances CCUS is being deployed solely as an extension to existing fossil energy facilities – which may compound harms caused by polluting industries while failing to deliver net climate benefits once indirect and other impacts are considered.
How does CCS work?
Carbon capture and storage technology works by isolating CO2 from other gases produced at power plants or large industrial facilities before permanently storing it underground. There are various capture technologies in use; which one is chosen depends on where emissions come from.
Once collected, CO2 must be compressed into liquid form for transportation to storage sites, either via pipelines or ships if transportation distances warrant it.
CO2 can then be safely stored underground geological formations that provide long-term storage options, such as depleted oil or gas fields or deep saline aquifers. Injection also has commercial benefits like enhanced oil recovery or as raw material in concrete or plastics products.
What are the benefits of CCS?
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has the power to decrease greenhouse gas emissions from power plants or industrial processes, helping slow global climate change. CCS can also remove historical levels from the atmosphere through direct air capture and storage (DACCS) or bioenergy with CO2 capture and storage (BECCS).
CCS projects are intended to store emissions deep underground rock formations. For instance, Zero Carbon Humber’s project will inject its captured carbon dioxide into an Endurance Aquifer beneath the sea bed; such geological formations contain vast expanses of porous rock which can hold onto large volumes of CO2 for hundreds or even thousands of years.
However, it is essential that all risks and costs associated with underground carbon dioxide storage be carefully evaluated, including leakage, contamination of groundwater supplies and stimulation of seismic activity. Any externalities must be factored into the price of carbon so as to make CCS an economically sustainable solution both from an environmental and social viewpoint.
What are the challenges of CCS?
CCS must overcome several technical obstacles to become reality, including safely storing and transporting CO2.
CO2’s chemical reaction with water can produce carbonic acid that corrodes pipelines and equipment if not managed appropriately, creating an enormous challenge that must be met through various technologies and approaches. This issue is being effectively dealt with through various technologies and techniques.
One challenge in CCS investments is creating an economic rationale for their investment; this can be accomplished with policies such as carbon pricing, clean energy standards and public investments.
Although frontrunner projects often face technical issues as they gain operational experience, any such issues must be quickly addressed to ensure consistent technical performance. This may involve upgrading technologies or components and increasing system redundancy; all provide invaluable learning opportunities and are essential if CCS is to fulfill its full potential for helping us meet climate goals.