Joseph Ozigis Akomodi

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies represent one of the potential strategies for reducing carbon dioxide emissions and mitigating global warming. Although CCS is considered a key tool in combating climate change, its effectiveness depends on various technical, economic, and logistical factors. This response systematically outlines the main aspects of CCS efficiency and its application in global efforts to reduce emissions.

1. Technical Efficiency of CCS Technologies

CCS technologies consist of three main steps: capturing CO₂, transporting CO₂, and storing CO₂. Each of these phases presents its own technical challenges and potential benefits.

• CO₂ Capture: There are several technological approaches to capturing carbon dioxide from emission sources such as power plants and industrial facilities. The main technologies include: Post-combustion capture: This method involves capturing CO₂ from flue gases after combustion of fossil fuels. It is the most commonly used technology but has high energy requirements. Pre-combustion capture: This method involves converting the fuel into gases before combustion, which makes it easier to separate CO₂. However, it requires additional infrastructure changes. Oxygen-blown combustion: This technology uses pure oxygen in the combustion process, which reduces the volume of flue gases and facilitates CO₂ capture.
• CO₂ Transport: Once captured, CO₂ is transported via pipelines or in liquid form by ships to storage sites. This requires significant infrastructure and can be expensive depending on the distance and geographical location.
• CO₂ Storage: CO₂ is typically stored in geological formations such as depleted oil or gas reservoirs, deep saline formations, or brine aquifers. The long-term safety of storage and potential risks of CO₂ leakage remain subjects of ongoing research.

2. Scalability and Potential for Global Application

• Global Implementation: Although CCS has the potential to significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, its current global application is limited. In 2021, approximately 40 million tons of CO₂ were captured globally, while to meet the emission reduction targets of the Paris Agreement, several billion tons of CO₂ would need to be captured annually.
• Required Infrastructure: To create a global CCS network, extensive infrastructure for CO₂ capture, transport, and storage must be established. This would involve building hundreds of new facilities and pipelines worldwide, requiring large investments.

3. Economic Aspects of CCS

• Costs: Implementing CCS technologies involves high initial costs for constructing capture and transport facilities, as well as for long-term storage and monitoring. The cost of capturing CO₂ is estimated to be between $40 and $100 per ton, while total costs (including transport and storage) can be significantly higher.
• Cost Sustainability: For CCS to become economically viable, it requires support through subsidies, tax incentives, or carbon markets. Without this support, high costs may limit its application, especially in industries that already have high operational costs.

4. Long-Term Impact on Emission Reductions

• Emission Reduction Potential: According to some estimates, CCS could contribute to reducing global emissions by 10-15%. While this is a significant contribution, it is not enough to solve global warming on its own. Achieving emission reduction goals will require combining CCS with reductions in fossil fuel use, a transition to renewable energy sources, and improvements in energy efficiency.
• Synergy with Other Technologies: The effectiveness of CCS largely depends on its integration with other emission-reduction technologies, such as energy efficiency, sector electrification, and renewable energy use. Without this synergy, CCS alone will not be sufficient to achieve the desired global emission reductions.

5. Challenges and Risks

• Geological Safety: While geological formations are considered safe for CO₂ storage, concerns remain about potential leakage through cracks in the earth or other geological disturbances. The long-term effects of such leaks on the climate and ecosystems are still unknown.
• Regulatory and Legal Issues: Global implementation of CCS requires alignment with laws and regulations at the local, national, and international levels. Ensuring legal accountability for potential CO₂ storage issues and protecting the environment presents a challenge.

Carbon Capture and Storage technologies have significant potential for reducing global emissions and mitigating climate change. However, their effectiveness depends on the development of infrastructure, reduction of costs, and alignment with other emission-reduction technologies. While CCS can be an important part of a broader strategy for cutting carbon emissions, achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement will require its integration with other measures, including the transition to renewable energy and improvements in energy efficiency.

While I appreciate the details above, one question lingers in my mind - with all these options, why is it that there is no visible change in the world. We have in fact, witnessed unprecedented floods in many parts of the globe clubbed with earthquakes - India perhaps may lose the entire Himalayan belt.