Carbon Capture and Storage | 07 Aug 2023

Source: Reuters

Why in News?

The UK government has reasserted its commitment to advancing projects aimed at capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions as a crucial component of its strategy to achieve net-zero emissions.

What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?

• About:
  • It is a process designed to mitigate the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated from industrial processes and the burning of fossil fuels, particularly in power plants.
  • The goal of CCS is to prevent a significant amount of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming and climate change.
• Approaches: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) encompasses two primary approaches:
  • The first method is known as point-source CCS, which involves capturing CO2 directly at the site of its production, such as industrial smokestacks.
  • The second method, direct air capture (DAC), focuses on removing CO2 that has already been emitted into the atmosphere.
  • The recent UK initiatives specifically target point-source CCS.
• Mechanisms of Point Source- CCS: The process of carbon capture and storage encompasses several distinct steps, each contributing to the effective containment of CO₂ emissions:
  • Capture: CO₂ is isolated from other gases generated during industrial processes or power generation.
  • Compression and Transportation: Once captured, CO₂ is compressed and transported to designated storage sites, frequently through pipelines.
  • Injection: The CO₂ is then injected into subterranean rock formations, often situated at depths of one kilometer or more, where it remains stored for extended periods, sometimes lasting decades.
• Applications:
  • Mineralization: Captured carbon can be reacted with certain minerals to form stable carbonates, which can be stored safely underground or used in construction materials.
    • This process, known as mineral carbonation, offers a long-term and secure method of carbon storage.
  • Synthetic Fuels: Captured CO₂ can be combined with hydrogen (often produced via electrolysis using renewable energy) to produce synthetic fuels such as synthetic natural gas, synthetic diesel, or even synthetic jet fuel.
  • Greenhouses and Indoor Agriculture: Captured carbon dioxide can be supplied to greenhouses and indoor farming facilities to enhance plant growth.
  • Dry Ice Production: Captured carbon dioxide can be used to produce dry ice, which is solid carbon dioxide at extremely low temperatures.
    • Dry ice has various applications, including shipping and transportation of perishable goods, medical and scientific purposes, and special effects in the entertainment industry.

• Challenges:
  • Cost and Economics: CCS involves high initial capital costs for building capture, transportation, and storage infrastructure.
    • The cost of capturing CO₂ from flue gases or industrial processes can be significant, affecting the overall viability of CCS projects.
  • Geological Storage Suitability: Identifying and securing suitable geological formations for long-term CO₂ storage is a challenge.
    • Not all geological formations are appropriate for CO₂ storage due to potential risks of leakage or seismic activity.
  • Extended Lifespan of Fossil Fuel Companies: Certain environmental organizations raise concerns regarding the effectiveness of CSS, suggesting that its implementation might unintentionally prolong the operational viability of fossil fuel companies.
    • This potential consequence could inadvertently hinder the speed of transitioning to more sustainable and cleaner energy sources.

Way Forward

• Natural Climate Solutions Integration: Combining CCS with natural climate solutions can enhance its effectiveness.
  • Embracing initiatives like reforestation, afforestation, and sustainable land management can complement CCS efforts by sequestering carbon naturally, promoting biodiversity, and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
• International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: To address global climate challenges, countries must collaborate and share knowledge and expertise in CCS.
  • Establishing international forums, research partnerships, and technology-sharing initiatives can accelerate the development and adoption of innovative carbon capture solutions.
• Balancing CCS and Emission Reduction for Climate Action: The United Nations report underscores CCS's potential to align with the Paris Agreement’s market-based mechanisms like carbon trading through carbon credits.
  • However, it emphasizes that emission prevention remains paramount. An inclusive climate strategy mandates both carbon capture technology adoption and proactive emission reduction to effectively address climate change.
    • In line, in terms of Nationally Determined Contribution, India now stands committed to reduce Emissions Intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030.