Understanding Carbon Capture and Storage Technology

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a proven technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources and power plants, then transports and stores them permanently underground. This process prevents CO₂ from entering the atmosphere, where it would contribute to climate change.

How Carbon Capture Works

Carbon capture technology separates CO₂ from other gases produced during industrial processes or power generation. The most common method, post-combustion capture, removes CO₂ from flue gases after fuel combustion. This process typically uses chemical solvents, like amines, that selectively absorb CO₂ from the gas stream.

Pre-combustion capture removes CO₂ before fuel combustion by converting fuel into hydrogen and CO₂. Oxy-fuel combustion burns fuel in pure oxygen, producing a flue gas that is primarily CO₂ and water vapor, making separation easier.

Transportation Methods

Once captured, CO₂ must be transported to storage sites. The most common method uses high-pressure pipelines, similar to those used for natural gas. CO₂ is compressed to a dense, liquid-like state for efficient transport. For offshore storage locations, specialized ships can transport compressed CO₂, though pipelines remain the most cost-effective option for large volumes.

Storage in Geological Formations

Permanent CO₂ storage occurs in deep underground geological formations, typically 1,000 meters or more below the surface. The most suitable formations include depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep saline aquifers, and unminable coal seams.

Saline aquifers are rock formations saturated with saltwater, offering the largest potential storage capacity. These formations have trapped fluids for millions of years, demonstrating their ability to contain CO₂ permanently. Multiple barriers, including caprock layers, prevent upward migration.

Why CCS Matters for Industry

Many industrial processes, including cement production, steel manufacturing, and petrochemicals, produce CO₂ as an unavoidable byproduct of chemical reactions. For these industries, CCS may be the only viable option for significant emissions reduction while maintaining production.

Power generation from fossil fuels can also benefit from CCS, particularly for regions that rely heavily on coal or natural gas for electricity. CCS can reduce power plant emissions by 85-95%.

Environmental Benefits

CCS technology can prevent billions of tons of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) identifies CCS as essential for meeting global climate goals, particularly for reducing emissions from heavy industry.

Current Global Development

Dozens of CCS projects operate worldwide, with many more in development. Norway's Sleipner project has successfully stored over 20 million tons of CO₂ since 1996, demonstrating the technology's long-term viability.

Understanding CCS technology is crucial for evaluating regional carbon management strategies and industrial decarbonization options.