This informal CPD article ‘Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage: An Overview’, was provided by Synergen Oil and Gas UK, an independent engineering consultancy specialising in Process Safety, Technical Risk Management and Operational Safety services.
Each year, billions of tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) are emitted by vehicles, power plants, and industrial processes, contributing to global warming. While reducing emissions is essential, it is not sufficient to meet climate goals. This is where Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) comes in—a promising technology that captures carbon before it reaches the atmosphere, repurposes it, or stores it safely underground.
What is Carbon Capture?
Carbon capture means grabbing carbon dioxide from where it’s made—like chimneys at power plants—and stopping it from reaching the air.
Instead of letting factories and power stations send carbon straight into the sky, capture systems pull it out right at the source.
Carbon Capture Storage and Utilization
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a suite of technologies aimed at curbing CO₂ emissions from large-scale sources. It involves:
- Capture: Extracting CO₂ at its source (e.g., power plants, factories).
- Utilization: Using captured CO₂ to create useful products like fuel or construction materials.
- Storage: Permanently sequestering CO₂ in geological formations or through biological means.
Why Industries Adopt CCUS:
Industries pursue CCUS for several reasons:
- Regulatory compliance with emission standards
- Investor pressure for greener operations
- Economic opportunities from turning CO₂ into marketable products
How CCUS Works
- Carbon Capture
There are three major technologies:
- Pre-combustion capture: CO₂ is removed before fuel is burned.
- Post-combustion capture: CO₂ is captured from exhaust gases.
- Oxy-fuel combustion: Burning fuel with pure oxygen yields high-concentration CO₂ for easier capture.
Capture systems include chemical solvents, solid sorbents, and membrane filters.
- Carbon Utilization
Captured CO₂ can be reused in:
- Synthetic fuel production
- Beverage carbonation
- Enhanced oil recovery (EOR)
- Construction materials like stronger concrete
This not only mitigates emissions but adds commercial value.
3. Carbon Storage
If CO₂ cannot be reused, it can be stored:
- Geological sequestration: Injecting CO₂ into deep underground rock formations.
- Biological sequestration: Using forests, soils, or oceans to naturally absorb CO₂.
Ideal geological sites must be porous, have secure caprock layers, and demonstrate long-term stability.
Challenges Facing CCUS
Economic Hurdles
The cost of carbon capture ranges from $8–$250 per ton, and direct air capture can cost $100–$345. Without government incentives or carbon pricing, many companies are reluctant to invest.
Technological Gaps
Current technologies can be energy-intensive and less efficient. Materials degrade over time, requiring regular upgrades. Continuous innovation is vital to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Public and Regulatory Concerns
People worry about CO₂ leakage and environmental risks. This has led to protests and resistance in several countries. Ensuring stringent safety standards and community engagement is essential for CCUS adoption.
The Future of CCUS
Emerging Companies
- Carbon Clean: Modular capture units for industries
- Climeworks: Specializes in direct air capture
- Svante: Uses solid sorbents for efficient capture
Innovative Technologies
- Electrochemical capture
- Direct air capture (DAC)
- Mineralization: Converts CO₂ into stable rock formations
These technologies could revolutionize CCUS, making it more accessible and impactful.
Conclusion
CCUS is not a silver bullet, but it is a crucial part of the global climate strategy. Alongside renewable energy, nature-based solutions, and energy efficiency, CCUS helps address emissions from sectors that can’t yet fully decarbonize.
With technological advances, strategic investment, and public support, CCUS has the potential to become a mainstream solution in the fight against climate change.
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