By Angela Huang
Introduction to Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a process where carbon dioxide (CO₂) is captured at the emission source, transported, and then permanently stored deep underground at a suitable and safe location. The technology was developed by GRT, a technology and development company, and Klaus S. Lackner, who is now the director of Center for Negative Carbon Emissions and a professor at Arizona State University. The first successful demonstration was performed in 2007.
The largest test facility for CCS located in Mongstad, Norway
The Science Behind CCS
There are three main steps behind the CCS process: capture, transport, and store. During the capture process, CO₂ from power generation and other industries are separated from industrial gasses and contained before they reach the chimney. To do this, chemicals are used to bind to the CO₂. Then the CO₂ is separated from the chemicals through heating to get pure CO₂. This process leaves two products: pure CO₂ that can be easily transported and chemicals that can be reused. Next, during the transportation process, CO₂ is transported in pipelines below ground to the storage site. And finally, during the store process, CO₂ is safely buried deep underground.
Mechanism of carbon capture
The Role of Carbon Capture in Combating Climate Change
In order to achieve the goals set out by the Paris agreement, we must also work to remove CO₂ and not just reduce emissions. The Paris agreement is an international treaty signed by 196 countries and adopted in 2015 that aims to combat climate change. The key points of the treaty are listed below. CCS has the ability to capture more than 90% of CO₂ emissions! If we continue to utilize CCS, this can significantly reduce the CO₂ in our atmosphere and help tackle the climate crisis.
Key points of the Paris agreement
Conclusion: The Path Forward for Carbon Capture
CCS is a technology essential to the future of our planet and is critical in combating climate change. Through the process of capturing, transporting, and storing CO₂, CCS brings us one step closer towards achieving our climate goals.
Sources
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7 things you should know about carbon capture and storage. ExxonMobil. (2021, September 14). https://corporate.exxonmobil.com/what-we-do/delivering-industrial-solutions/carbon-capture-and-storage/what-to-know-about-carbon-capture-and-storage
5 charts that explain the Paris Climate Agreement. World Economic Forum. (2016, November 4). https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/11/5-charts-that-explain-the-paris-climate-agreement/
Sintef. (2023, March 26). This is what you need to know about CCS – carbon capture and storage. SINTEF. https://www.sintef.no/en/latest-news/2019/this-is-what-you-need-to-know-about-ccs-carbon-capture-and-storage/
What is carbon capture and storage?. CCS explained | National Grid Group. (2024, March 26). https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-is-ccs-how-does-it-work
First successful demonstration of carbon dioxide air capture technology achieved by Columbia University scientist and private company. Earth Institute. (2007, April 24). https://www.earth.columbia.edu/articles/view/961
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