Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology designed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources and power plants. By capturing CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere and storing it underground, CCS aims to mitigate the impact of greenhouse gases on global warming. This glossary entry explores the Why, How, and What of CCS, highlighting its significance and implementation.
Why: The purpose of CCS
The primary purpose of CCS is to combat climate change by reducing the amount of CO₂ released into the atmosphere. Key motivations include:
- Mitigating Global Warming: Lowering greenhouse gas concentrations to limit temperature rise.
- Supporting Energy Transition: Enabling continued use of fossil fuels while transitioning to renewable energy sources.
- Enhancing Environmental Responsibility: Helping industries meet regulatory requirements and reduce their carbon footprint.
How: The mechanism of CCS
CCS involves a three-stage process: capture, transport, and storage. Each stage is crucial for the effective reduction of CO₂ emissions:
- Capture: CO₂ is separated from other gases produced during industrial processes. This can be done through pre-combustion, post-combustion, or oxy-fuel combustion methods.
- Transport: The captured CO₂ is compressed and transported via pipelines, ships, or trucks to storage sites.
- Storage: CO₂ is injected into deep underground geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or saline aquifers, where it is securely stored.
What: The applications of CCS
CCS can be applied across various sectors to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. Examples include:
- Power Generation: Capturing CO₂ from coal and gas-fired power plants to reduce emissions from electricity production.
- Industrial Processes: Implementing CCS in industries such as cement, steel, and chemical manufacturing, where CO₂ emissions are high.
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Using captured CO₂ to extract additional oil from mature fields, which also helps in storing the CO₂ underground.
Wrap-up
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a vital technology for reducing CO₂ emissions and combating climate change. Its purpose is to mitigate global warming, support the energy transition, and enhance environmental responsibility. CCS operates through a three-stage process of capture, transport, and storage, and is applicable in power generation, industrial processes, and enhanced oil recovery. By effectively managing CO₂ emissions, CCS plays a crucial role in achieving a sustainable and low-carbon future.
