Why Carbon Capture and Storage Is Instrumental for Combating Climate Change?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a naturally occurring gas that is essential for life. However, its excessive presence is a major cause of pollution in the modern world. Excess CO2 has led to climate change and global warming. As such, capturing, storing, and utilizing carbon has become a key focus point for various businesses and industries globally.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has emerged as an innovative approach for capturing CO2. In this blog post, we explain the basics of CCS and how it works. Also, we shed light on the current market landscape and the key factors propelling the carbon capture, utilization, and storage market forward. Read on!

What Is CCS?

CCS is short for carbon capture, utilisation and storage. It involves the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2). The CO2 is typically captured from large point sources such as industrial facilities or power generation. CCS is used in facilities that utilize fossil fuels or biomass as a fuel. The captured CO2 can be used on-site. In facilities where there’s no on-site consumption of the captured carbon dioxide, it is compressed and transported to be used for various applications. In other cases, the captured CO2 may be injected into deep geological formations.

How Does CCS Work?

A CCS application includes three stages. These stages are capture, transport, and storage of carbon dioxide. They share similarities with the stages involved in carbon capture, utilization and storage. There are various methods for capturing carbon dioxide. The most commonly used CO2 capture methods are post-combustion and pre-combustion. In some systems, oxy-fuel combustion may also be used.

The post-combustion technology typically involves the use of a chemical solvent for separating CO2 from the flue gas. In pre-combustion, the fuel is converted into a gas mixture that consists of hydrogen and CO2 before it is burned. After separating the CO2, the remaining hydrogen-rich mixture can be used in the form of fuel. The oxy-fuel uses oxygen that is almost pure for burning the fuel. The result of this process is steam and CO2, with the released CO2 being subsequently captured.

Oxy-fuel and post-combustion equipment are known for their versatility. This equipment can be fitted to new facilities or retrofitted into existing plants that need it. The large modification requirements of pre-combustion methods mean they are typically used in new plants.

As of now, operational facilities with CCS are able to capture over 90% of the CO2 present in flue gas. Higher capture rates than the current levels are technologically possible. Manufacturers are focusing on lowering the costs of doing the same. Capturing CO2 directly from the atmosphere is also possible. This involves the use of fans to draw air and pass it through an environment that consists of liquid solvents or solid sorbents. The lower concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere, as compared to flue gas, makes the practice more expensive.

What Are Major Market Metrics?

Our analysis reveals that the carbon capture and storage (CCS) market is expected to witness significant growth. It is expected to register a CAGR of 7.5% between 2025 and 2034. Growing concerns about reducing CO2 emissions are a key factor fueling the CCS market demand. Additionally, rising global initiatives and the announcement of new projects are having a favorable impact on the market expansion.

Why Is Storage Important in Carbon Capture?

Choosing the right place for the storage of CO2 is of high importance. Choosing the wrong geology can lead to carbon dioxide escaping back to the surface. Also, the injection process may lead to earthquakes. Geologists usually opt for sites that have porous rocks. This geology means that large quantities of CO2 can seep into the surface. There are several sites available for this. And they can accommodate significantly more CCS than today. However, the injection process and transportation need to be taken care of to minimize risks.

What is the Potential of CCS in Tackling Climate Change?

CCS has the potential to play a key role in global decarbonization efforts. It helps reduce emissions in industries that are hard to abate. CCS can also help in the production of low-carbon electricity and hydrogen. Additionally, its use helps remove CO2 from the atmosphere.

The several roles of CCS can also assist in improving the diversity and flexibility of energy supply. This, in turn, helps improve energy security. There has been growing evidence that suggests that the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere will be important for achieving net zero emissions worldwide. Thus, CCS has an important role to play in combating climate change.

How Is AI Impacting the CCS Market?

Artificial intelligence (AI) is having a significant impact on the CCS market. The ability of AI to analyze geological data and site characteristics improves site selection. The integration of AI also improves the real-time monitoring of CO2 injection and storage. AI also enables the development of innovative carbon capture construction materials that can capture carbon across facilities. AI-driven predictive maintenance enables the efficient operation of CCS equipment by identifying potential failures before they occur. As such, facilities can reduce downtime and the cost associated with repairs. Furthermore, the ability of AI to optimize carbon capture processes increases capture efficiency and reduces the consumption of energy.

To Conclude

CCS has gained significant momentum over the past few years. The technology is being increasingly adopted across sectors due to the introduction of new climate targets and improved policy support globally. Along with decarbonization, CCS also assists in ensuring a reliable supply of electricity. In the coming years, we can expect to see more industries adopting the technology to meet their environmental sustainability goals.