Carbon Capture: A Promising Solution for Climate Change

 How Carbon Capture Works

Carbon capture involves three main steps: capture, transport, and storage. First, CO2 is captured from emission sources such as power plants, cement factories, or industrial facilities. Various techniques are employed, including post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and oxyfuel combustion.

Once captured, the CO2 is compressed and transported to a suitable storage site. Geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams, are potential storage options. These sites provide secure underground locations where the CO2 can be stored for long periods, reducing its impact on the atmosphere.

Examples of Carbon Capture Initiatives

Petra Nova, Texas, USA: The Petra Nova project, located at the W.A. Parish Generating Station, is the world's largest post-combustion carbon capture facility. It captures approximately 1.6 million tons of CO2 annually from a coal-fired power plant and stores it underground.

Sleipner Field, Norway: The Sleipner gas field in the North Sea has been injecting captured CO2 into a deep saline aquifer since 1996. This project demonstrates the long-term viability and safety of carbon storage.

Boundary Dam, Saskatchewan, Canada: The Boundary Dam Carbon Capture and Storage project is integrated into a coal-fired power plant and captures around 90% of the CO2 emissions. The captured CO2 is transported by pipeline for enhanced oil recovery and permanent storage.

According to a report from state media outlet CCTV on Friday first June 2023, China Energy Investment Corporation, a state-owned power generator, has commenced operations at the largest carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) facility in Asia.

Benefits and Challenges

Carbon capture technology offers several benefits, including the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, support the use of fossil fuels during the transition to cleaner energy sources, and enable negative emissions. However, challenges remain, such as high costs, energy requirements for capture, and the need for suitable storage sites. Continued research and development, along with supportive policies and incentives, are crucial for scaling up carbon capture projects and driving down costs.