Carbon Capture and Storage: A Key to Achieve Net-Zero Targets

Amidst rising CO2 emissions, renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency are critical components of climate change solutions. One of the most promising technologies to mitigate industrial carbon emissions is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This innovative technology provides a pathway to capture CO2 emissions before they enter the atmosphere, significantly reducing their impact on the environment. According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Sustainable Development Scenario, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology could account for nearly 15% of the total emissions reduction needed to achieve global net-zero targets by 2070. This highlights CCUS as a key component in addressing climate change and meeting long-term sustainability goals.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is no longer a far-off vision of the future but a practical solution to today’s climate crisis. CCS is also recognized as an essential tool to meet the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C. According to the Global CCS Institute, to meet these goals, the world would need to increase CCS capacity from the current 40 million tons annually to around 5.6 billion tons per year by 2050.

What is Carbon Capture and Storage?

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a carbon emissions reduction technology designed to capture and securely store CO2 produced by industries. It is utilized in industries like steel, cement, and power generation, where emissions are difficult to decarbonize. The CCS process can be broken down as follows:

• Capture: CO2 is separated from other gases in industrial processes using advanced carbon capture technology.

• Transport: Captured CO2 is then transported via pipelines, ships, or other means to a designated storage site.

• Storage: CO2 is stored deep underground in geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers, preventing its release into the atmosphere.

The Technologies behind Carbon Capture and Storage

The most common CO2 storage methods involve geological formations. These include depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams. A successful example of geological CO2 storage is Norway’s Sleipner project, which has been storing approximately 1 million tons of CO2 annually in a saline aquifer beneath the North Sea since 1996. Other carbon capture methods are generally classified into three primary approaches:

• Pre-Combustion Carbon Capture: This method captures CO2 before the fuel is burned, making it particularly suitable for industries that convert coal, oil, or gas into fuel gas. Pre-combustion capture typically involves gasifying the fuel to produce a mixture of hydrogen and CO2. The CO2 is then separated and captured for storage.

• Post-Combustion Carbon Capture: The method involves capturing CO2 from the flue gases emitted after fossil fuels are burned. This approach is widely applicable to power plants and various industrial facilities. A notable example is the Boundary Dam power station in Canada, which captures approximately 1 million tons of CO2 annually through post-combustion capture.

• Oxyfuel Combustion Technology: This process involves burning fuels in oxygen rather than air, resulting in a concentrated stream of CO2, which makes it easier to capture. This method is still being developed and tested but holds promise for future CCS projects.

Once captured, CO2 must be transported to storage sites. Pipelines are the most common mode of CO2 transportation, particularly for large-scale carbon capture and storage systems. Currently, more than 6,500 kilometers of CO2 pipelines are in operation globally, especially in regions like the US and Canada, which have well-established infrastructure for CCS and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS).

Real-World Applications of Carbon Capture and Storage

Around the world, CCS projects are already in action as power generation is a major source of CO2 emissions. Implementing CCS in power plants has proven effective in reducing their environmental impact. For instance, the Petra Nova power station in Texas employed a CCS system that captured over 1.6 million tons of CO2 annually during its operation from 2017 to 2020.

The Gorgon Project in Australia is one of the largest CCS initiatives in the world, aiming to store 4 million tons of CO2 annually in an offshore gas field. Such large-scale projects demonstrate the feasibility of CCS in combating industrial emissions.

Similarly, the Drax Group in the UK, which operates the country’s largest power station, plans to capture 8 million tons of CO2 annually as part of its bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) project. In January 2024, the UK government approved Drax’s plan to convert two of its biomass units into carbon capture and storage stations for bioenergy.

Challenges and Opportunities in Carbon Capture and Storage

While the potential of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is promising, several challenges remain. The cost of implementing CCS technology remains high. Estimates suggest that capturing CO2 can cost between $60 to $100 per ton, depending on the technology and source. The IEA forecasts that the cost of carbon capture and storage (CCS) could decrease significantly in the coming years, primarily due to increased deployment and technological advancements. In addition to the costs, developing the infrastructure required for CCS, such as pipelines and storage facilities, demands substantial investment. Countries without established pipelines or suitable geological storage sites face logistical challenges. Most importantly, public concern about the safety of storing CO2 underground and a lack of clear government policies have slowed the widespread adoption of CCS.

However, despite these financial and regulatory hurdles, varied opportunities are paving the way for stakeholders to explore the full potential of CCS. Active R&D efforts are leading to more efficient and cost-effective CCS technologies. Innovations in materials for CO2 capture, such as advanced solvents and membranes, are expected to further drive down costs. Governments are increasingly recognizing the role of CCS in meeting climate goals. For instance, the US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021 allocated $3.5 billion for CCS projects, and similar investments are being made worldwide.

Future Prospects in Carbon Capture and Storage

Looking ahead, CCS will play a pivotal role in managing CO2 and keeping our planet’s climate in balance. As we strive toward a net-zero future, industries and governments are expected to invest heavily in CCS infrastructure. Countries like China and India, with their heavy reliance on coal, could be key players in adopting CCS to reduce their emissions while maintaining economic growth. From power generation to heavy industry, CCS is proving its ability to significantly curb CO2 emissions. However, realizing its full potential will require overcoming economic and infrastructural challenges, supported by continued innovation, government policy, and investment.