Carbon Capture and Storage: An Overview of Technologies and Applications

Introduction

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes and stores them underground to prevent their release into the atmosphere. CCS has become an important solution in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change.

Technologies

There are three main technologies used in CCS: post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and oxy-fuel combustion.

Post-combustion capture

Post-combustion capture is the most commonly used technology in which CO2 is captured from the flue gases generated by burning fossil fuels. This technology uses chemical solvents to absorb CO2 from the flue gas, and the captured CO2 is then transported for storage.

Pre-combustion capture

Pre-combustion capture involves capturing CO2 before the fossil fuel is burned. The fuel is first gasified, and then CO2 is separated from the fuel gas through a shift reaction. The remaining fuel gas can then be burned to produce energy.

Oxy-fuel combustion

Oxy-fuel combustion involves burning fossil fuels in a pure oxygen atmosphere, which produces a flue gas rich in CO2. The CO2 is then captured and stored, and the remaining gas can be recycled to produce energy.

Applications

CCS can be applied to various industries, including power generation, industrial processes, and transportation.

Power generation

CCS can be used in power plants to capture CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels. This technology can help reduce the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.

Industrial processes

CCS can also be used in various industrial processes, such as cement production and steel manufacturing, which are responsible for a significant amount of CO2 emissions.

Transportation

CCS can also be applied to transportation, particularly in the aviation and shipping industries, which are difficult to decarbonize. CCS can capture CO2 emissions from these industries and store them underground.

Conclusion

CCS is a crucial technology in mitigating climate change and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The three main technologies used in CCS are post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and oxy-fuel combustion, which can be applied to various industries. With the increasing need for carbon reduction, CCS will play an essential role in achieving a more sustainable future.