4. CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage)

How can we effectively make use of Carbon Capture and storage (CCS) technology?

Introduction: Carbon capture and storage is a method of decarbonization, one that is extremely effective. Based on a report by MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), it is proven that most carbon capture and storage facilities have a 90% efficiency in removing carbon dioxide. Carbon capture and storage operate by capturing carbon dioxide emitted from industrial processes, such as steel and cement production, or from the combustion of fossil fuels for power generation. The carbon would then be transported and stored deep underground with the help of ships, trucks, pipelines, and injection wells which lead the carbon underground for storage.

4.1: The CCS mechanism (How does it work)

Body: Generally, the mechanism is a three-step process – capturing, transporting, and storing. In the carbon dioxide capturing process, several different techniques can be used to do so. One common way is capturing the carbon dioxide in flue gas produced after fuel burning. The flue gas is then cooled and pumped into a chamber containing “scrubbers” that bind to CO2 molecules, capturing it. The carbon-free flue gas would be released into the air while the carbon is concentrated and stored. Once captured, it needs to be transported to a suitable site for storage. CO2 is compressed to a state of high temperature and pressure, which allows it to be transported through pipelines similar to those used for natural gas or oil efficiently. In some places where pipelines are not ideal to be in use, CO2 can be transported through ships or trucks. This is made possible due to the development of specially designed containers for holding pressurized or liquid CO2. Permanent storage would then occur in geological formations like depleted oil and gas fields, which usually need at least 1km or more underground. As surprising as it may be, this technology is not new but has been around for over 45 years. The installation and use of this technology are starting to increase as well. The global CCS institute highlights that as of September 2022, there are 196 projects in the CCS facilities pipeline with 61 new CCS facilities added in 2022 alone. By increasing the use of such an effective technology worldwide, a lot more carbon dioxide can be removed around the world.

Body: Moreover, CCS technologies can be applied to sectors where emissions are difficult to lower, like the industrial sector. Over the decades, the industrial sector has mainly been the biggest contributor to CO2 emissions, accounting for 37% of energy consumption globally. Emissions from the industrial sector are especially hard to cut due to the emissions from processes such as chemical, and physical reactions, as well as high-temperature needs. With the CCS technology used for sub-sectors that are hard to decarbonize like the cement, steel, and chemical sectors, about one-fifth of the emissions from the industrial sector can be lowered. CCS technology can also be used for fuel transformation and mining for decarbonization. Carbon produced in these processes and plants will be captured and stored.

4.2: CCUS (utilization of carbon)

Introduction: Besides storage, we can also try to make use of CO2 to meet our needs. CCUS will be talking more about how we can extend our usage of CO2 instead of going straight to storage. This way, we don't have to waste our storage unneccasirily, and the carbon can be used to do good.

Body: There is another related term called CCUS, where the “U” basically stands for utilization. CO2 captured can not only be stored but actually used in certain areas. Firstly, oil recovery. CO2 can be pumped into oil wells connecting underground to flush out oil that is hard to extract under the surface. Secondly, CO2 can be made into useful products like plastic, building materials like concrete and cement, and household products like baking soda and bleach.

Body: There is another related term called CCUS, where the “U” basically stands for utilization. CO2 captured can not only be stored but actually used in certain areas. Firstly, oil recovery. CO2 can be pumped into oil wells connecting underground to flush out oil that is hard to extract under the surface. Secondly, CO2 can be made into useful products like plastic, building materials like concrete and cement, and household products like baking soda and bleach. Another linked concept when we talk about CCS is BECCS (Bio-Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage).

Body: BECCS is seen to be one of the more cost-effective and viable technologies for removing CO2 from the atmosphere. To begin with, biomass like wood, agricultural residue, and organic waste came from once-alive plants and animals, and their waste is burned in a power station to produce energy in the form of fuel. This fuel is known as biofuel, as it is derived from biomass. During this process of burning biomass for energy production, the carbon produced can then be captured by CCS technologies, which otherwise would have just been recycled back into the environment. By doing so, we create a negative emission effect, whereby more CO2 is being taken out than added to the environment, basically taking out carbon dioxide from our atmosphere. This is why BECCS, along with the other 2 concepts can work together to plunge emission rates and plays one of the major roles in achieving the Paris Agreement (where the goal is to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial revolution emission rates).

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