Carbon Capture and Sequestration: Technology advances

Hey there! While it’s well-known today that renewable energy sources like solar power and wind turbines can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, there’s another technology that holds significant promise in the fight against climate change: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This technology could be one of our hidden allies in combating rising global temperatures.

Let’s explore what CCS is, how it operates, and why it’s so important in our efforts to create a more sustainable future.

Why We Need Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS)

Imagine you’re sitting in a busy industrial area. Even if we add all the solar panels and wind turbines possible, many factories and plants still pump CO₂ into the air. Industries like steel, cement, and even natural gas aren’t easy to decarbonize. CCS steps in here, capturing those CO₂ emissions right at the source and storing them, so they don’t end up warming the planet.

With CCS, we’re talking about a technology that directly targets the emissions we can’t easily eliminate otherwise. It’s kind of like installing a high-tech air filter on some of our biggest polluters. When used effectively, CCS can be a powerful tool for reducing emissions on a large scale.

How Does Carbon Capture and Sequestration Work?

At its core, CCS has three main steps: capture, transport, and sequestration. Let’s break each one down.

1. Carbon Capture: Grabbing CO₂ Before It Escapes

There are a few different ways to capture carbon:

• Post-combustion capture: Grabbing CO₂ from the exhaust after fuel has burned.
• Pre-combustion capture: Separating CO2 from fuels before they’re even burned.
• Oxy-fuel combustion: Burning fuel in pure oxygen instead of air, making it easier to catch almost pure CO₂.

The shared goal of these three approaches is to prevent CO₂ from entering the atmosphere.

2. Transport: Moving Captured CO₂ Safely

The next step, after capturing the CO₂, is transporting it to a storage site. Some companies already have large-scale pipelines for natural gas. Picture CO₂ traveling down a similar pipeline or even aboard a specially designed ship. These companies are leveraging their expertise to ensure CO₂ transport is both safe and efficient.

3. Sequestration: Locking CO₂ Away for the Long Haul

Finally, we get to the “sequestration” part. Here, the CO₂ is stored deep underground in geological formations. There are several types in this process as well:

• Deep saline aquifers: These saltwater-filled rock formations are excellent for storing CO₂.
• Depleted oil and gas fields: These used-up fields are also effective, and sometimes the CO₂ even helps extract remaining oil.
• Basalt formations: CO₂ reacts with basalt to form solid rock, turning gas into something permanent.

It can stay securely for hundreds or even thousands of years.

The Potential of CCS in Fighting Climate Change

You might be wondering “is it really effective?” So, let’s take a closer look at the result and the potential!

Current estimates indicate that existing and planned CCS facilities across the globe have the ability to capture approximately 244 million tons of CO₂ annually. This marks a 44% increase in 2022 compared to 2023, highlighting the rapid advancement of this sector.

On a broader scale, geological formations worldwide are estimated to have the potential to store between 8,000 and 55,000Gt of CO₂, significantly surpassing the anticipated requirements for CO₂ storage. The International Energy Agency (IEA) indicates that to achieve net-zero emissions, the demand for CO₂ storage could exceed 5,000 Mt annually by mid-century.

The Challenges Facing Carbon Capture and Sequestration

Like any big idea, CCS isn’t without its challenges. Let’s talk about a few of the obstacles this technology faces.

1. Cost

On average, the cost of CCS is reported to range from CAD 27 to CAD 150 per ton of CO₂ captured.

The cost of carbon capture and storage (CCS) varies significantly depending on the source of CO₂ emissions. More concentrated sources, such as natural gas processing, are generally cheaper to capture, with costs ranging from CAD 27 to CAD 48 per ton of CO2. In contrast, more diluted sources, like coal-fired power plants and cement production, incur higher costs, potentially reaching up to CAD 150 per ton of CO2.

2. Energy Consumption

CCS involves significant energy consumption for capturing, transporting, and storing CO₂. This high energy demand can result in decreased efficiency and increased operational costs for facilities implementing these technologies.

3. Long-Term Storage Concerns

How do we know that CO₂ stored underground will stay put? While scientists and engineers are confident in the current storage methods, some environmental groups are concerned about the possibility of leaks over the long term.

The Future of Carbon Capture and Sequestration

Looking ahead, CCS has a promising role in the global climate strategy. Many countries and companies are investing in CCS as part of their plans to reach “net-zero” emissions by 2050.

The global carbon capture and storage (CCS) market is experiencing significant growth, with estimates indicating a market size of approximately $6.24 billion in 2023, projected to reach $17.74 billion by 2032.

However, as technology improves, CCS costs are coming down, and with it, the hope is that it will become more accessible for widespread use.

Bringing It All Together

As we’ve witnessed advancements in technology, various innovative methods are being employed to reduce CO₂ emissions. Many governments and nations are actively pursuing initiatives aimed at achieving net-zero emissions. While some of these strategies may seem challenging for individuals, there are numerous ways to contribute to a greener planet and decrease carbon emissions.

Our focus isn’t limited to just wind or solar energy—we can also support organizations developing projects like Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) by utilizing carbon credits. Let’s work together toward a cleaner future!