Carbon Capture Projects: Pros and Cons

Carbon Capture Projects and Its Advantages and Disadvantages

 Being a leading cause of climate change, CO2 is harmful for our health and environment. But with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), CO2 can be captured from industrial processes or directly from the atmosphere, so that it doesn’t get released into the air.

 CCS is a vital technology that reduces carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Using the technology, CO2 can be stored safely underground or in other secure locations.

 CCS can help in transitioning to a low-carbon future and helping industries meet emission reduction targets. By mitigating CO2 emissions, CCS can contribute to combat global warming and achieve global climate goals.

 In this article, we’ll explore the concept of CCS, how it works, its advantages and disadvantages. Let’s dive into what CCS is and how it helps address environmental challenges.

What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?

 CCS captures CO2 emissions from industries like steel and cement production or power plants that burn fossil fuels. The CO2 is then transported through pipelines or ships to deep underground storage sites, such as old oil and gas fields or rock formations.

 It involves three main steps:

●      Capturing CO2 generated during industrial activities like power production, hydrogen manufacturing, or cement and steel production.

●      Transporting the captured CO2

●      Securely storing it in deep underground formations

The process has the potential to lower emissions and contribute to climate change mitigation.

 The first CCS facility began operating in the United States in 1972. In Texas, natural gas plants have successfully captured and stored more than 200 million tonnes of CO2 underground since then.

 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has highlighted that to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement and limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C (2.7°F), it’s not enough to simply reduce emissions. 

We also need to actively remove CO2 from the atmosphere. CCS is one such technology and can play a crucial role in addressing climate change by capturing and storing CO2 safely, preventing it from contributing to global warming. 

The Global CCS Institute states that Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a proven technology that has been operating safely for over 45 years. All components of CCS have been used commercially for decades, demonstrating its reliability and effectiveness in reducing CO₂ emissions.

According to the Global CCS Institute’s 2022 report, there were 194 large-scale CCS facilities worldwide by the end of the year, a significant increase from 51 in 2019. In 2022 alone, 61 new projects were added to the pipeline. Of these, 30 facilities are operational, 11 are under construction, and the rest are at different stages of planning and development.

Geographically, 94 projects are located in the Americas, including 80 in the United States. Europe has 73 projects, with 27 in the UK, while the Asia-Pacific region accounts for 21, and the Middle East has 6. Collectively, the CO2 capture capacity of all these projects under development reached 244 million tonnes per year in 2022, marking a remarkable 44% growth within the year.

How Carbon Capture Works?

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) has recently advocated for the broader adoption of carbon capture technology to address climate change.

 Carbon capture works by collecting carbon dioxide at its source, transporting it to a designated storage site, often deep underground, and securely isolating it. The process helps prevent additional CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.

Three main steps to carbon capture and storage (CCS) are:

●      Capturing CO2 from emission sources and separating it from other gases.

●      Transporting the captured CO2 to a storage site.

●      Storing the CO2 securely, either deep underground or in the ocean, far from the atmosphere.

Carbon dioxide can be captured from power plants using three main methods: post-combustion, pre-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion.

Each method targets CO2 at different stages of the combustion process to capture and isolate it effectively.

Types Of Carbon Capture

Power plants generate electricity by burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, or natural gas. The process is known as combustion and it produces heat that generates steam, which drives a turbine connected to an electricity generator.

Here’s how carbon capture takes place at different stages of combustion.

Post-combustion carbon capture

Pre-combustion carbon capture involves trapping CO2 before the combustion of fossil fuels is complete. This process creates a synthesis gas (syngas) when coal, oil, or natural gas is heated with oxygen and steam. The syngas contains a mix of carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen. Through a chemical reaction, water is converted into hydrogen, and carbon monoxide is transformed into carbon dioxide. The CO2 is then separated and captured, while the hydrogen can be used for energy production.

 The method is generally more efficient than post-combustion capture, although it requires more advanced and expensive equipment.

Oxy-fuel combustion carbon capture

In post-combustion carbon capture, CO2 is extracted after fossil fuels are burned. During combustion, flue gases are emitted, containing carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and other components. The CO2 is separated and captured from these flue gases.

 This method is the most commonly used carbon capture technology due to its adaptability for both new and existing coal-fired power plants. However, it does come with challenges, such as the need for large equipment, which can impact turbine efficiency.

Pre-combustion carbon capture

 In oxy-fuel combustion, fossil fuels are burned in a high-purity oxygen environment instead of regular air. This results in flue gas that primarily contains water and carbon dioxide. By compressing and cooling the flue gas, the CO2 can be effectively separated.

 A key advantage of oxy-fuel combustion capture is its applicability to both new and existing coal-fired power plants. However, the overall process is relatively expensive, despite some components being cost-effective.

Advantages of Carbon Capture

Carbon capture and storage is a highly effective method for permanently removing carbon emissions from the atmosphere. Here are it’s top advantages:

1. Reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions

CCS captures CO₂ emissions from large-scale sources and reduces the amount released into the atmosphere. The reduction is crucial for mitigating climate change and meeting global emission targets. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized that CCS could contribute between 10% and 55% of the total carbon mitigation effort needed until 2020.

2. Mitigation of Climate Change Effects

By lowering atmospheric CO₂ levels, CCS helps slow global warming, reducing the frequency and severity of climate-related events such as extreme weather, sea-level rise, and ecosystem disruptions. The IPCC has noted that without CCS, the cost of meeting a 50% global CO₂ reduction target could be significantly higher.

3. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)

Captured CO₂ can be injected into declining oil fields to extract additional oil, a process known as Enhanced Oil Recovery. It boosts oil production and provides a practical use for captured CO₂.

4. Job Creation

The development and operation of CCS facilities require a skilled workforce, leading to job creation in engineering, construction, and plant operations. For example, the UK government has projected that CCS initiatives could support thousands of jobs and contribute significantly to the economy.

5. Encouragement of Innovation in Carbon Management Technologies

The advancement of CCS technologies fosters innovation in carbon management, leading to the development of new methods for capturing, utilizing, and storing CO₂. It includes the creation of products like durable concrete, polymers, and chemicals, promoting sustainable industrial practices.

6. Sustainable Energy Production

Geologically stored CO₂ can be utilized to retrieve geothermal heat from the area injected, resulting in the generation of sustainable geothermal energy. The process provides a renewable energy source and also enhances the efficiency of energy production systems.

By integrating CCS into our energy and industrial sectors, we can address environmental challenges while experiencing economic growth and technological advancement.

Disadvantages of Carbon Capture

While CCS is a valuable tool in combating climate change, it comes with several challenges and drawbacks. Have a look:

1. High Costs of Implementation

Implementing CCS technology requires significant financial investment. The development, installation, and maintenance of equipment to capture, transport, and store CO₂ are expensive. These high costs can deter industries from adopting CCS, especially without substantial financial incentives or subsidies.

1. Safety Concerns About CO₂ Storage

Storing large volumes of CO₂ underground carries risks of leakage. Natural events like earthquakes or human activities could compromise storage sites, leading to CO₂ escaping into the atmosphere or contaminating groundwater. Ensuring the integrity of storage sites over long periods is challenging and requires continuous monitoring.

1. Resource-Intensive Basalt Storage

Storing CO₂ in basalt rock formations involves injecting the gas into the rock, where it reacts to form solid minerals. THe process demands large amounts of water, approximately 25 tons of water per ton of CO₂ stored. Additionally, microbial activity in volcanic rocks could produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas, potentially offsetting the benefits of CO₂ storage.

1. Limited Scope of CCS in Emissions Reduction

CCS primarily targets emissions from power generation and certain industrial processes, which constitute a portion of total greenhouse gas emissions. Sectors like transportation and agriculture, which are significant emission sources, are not addressed by CCS. Therefore, relying solely on CCS is insufficient for comprehensive climate change mitigation.

1. Leakage Risks and Environmental Impact

Even minor leaks from CO₂ storage sites can have environmental consequences. Escaped CO₂ can contribute to greenhouse gas concentrations or acidify nearby water sources, harming ecosystems. Ensuring long-term containment is essential to prevent such adverse effects.

1. Inadequate for Comprehensive Climate Change Solutions

While CCS can reduce emissions from specific sources, it does not address the root causes of carbon emissions. A well-though approach like transitioning to renewable energy and adopting sustainable practices across all sectors, is necessary to combat climate change.

Factors Determining the Future Use of Carbon Capture and Storage

The future implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) will be influenced by several factors. These include the expenses involved in capturing CO2, the costs and infrastructure required for its transportation and storage, regulatory policies at both federal and state levels, and advancements in clean energy technologies that may reduce the reliance on CCS. Let’s discuss in detail:

●      CO2 Capture Cost

 The cost of adopting CCS will play a significant role in determining whether companies choose to use the technology. As more CCS projects are developed, the lessons learned from these implementations could help lower costs and improve efficiency. Also, ongoing research aims to find innovative ways to make CO2 capture more affordable and practical for widespread use.

●      Transport and Storage Capacity

 The use of CCS technology will also depend on the availability of infrastructure, such as pipelines for transporting CO2 and underground storage sites for long-term sequestration. Building a CO2 transport network is a significant investment, with regional networks estimated to cost several billion dollars and national networks potentially requiring hundreds of billions.

 While the United States has considerable capacity for CO2 storage, the feasibility and effectiveness of some sites are still under investigation. Scientists are researching whether CO2 can be securely and permanently stored in the large volumes necessary to make a meaningful impact on climate change, as well as the costs associated with achieving this at scale.

●      Regulation

 Regulatory policies at both federal and state levels will play a key role in the future adoption of CCS. Certain regulations, such as environmental reviews for federally funded CCS projects, can extend the timeline for implementation. However, recent federal actions aim to streamline this process.

 For example, some states are now allowed to handle CO2 storage site applications, and new laws have been introduced to simplify or potentially bypass federal environmental reviews. Also, proposed regulations by the Environmental Protection Agency to limit CO2 emissions from power plants could encourage wider adoption of CCS technology.

●      Advances in Other Clean Energy Technologies

 Regulatory frameworks at both federal and state levels are crucial for the future implementation of CCS. Some regulations, like environmental reviews for federally funded projects, can delay the deployment process. However, steps have been taken to accelerate these procedures.

 For example, certain states now have the authority to review CO2 storage site applications, and recent legislation has been introduced to simplify or potentially eliminate federal environmental reviews. Moreover, new rules proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency to curb CO2 emissions from power plants could further drive the adoption of CCS technologies.

 Carbon Capture Government Projects

Most CCS projects currently in operation have relied heavily on financial support from governments, including capital grants and, to a lesser extent, operational subsidies. In some countries, tax credits are also provided to encourage CCS adoption.

 Since 2010, grant funding has been particularly significant, with 8 out of 15 projects receiving financial aid ranging from approximately $55 million (e.g., Gorgon in Australia) to $840 million (e.g., Quest in Canada). Only a few projects, such as Sleipner and Snøhvit in Norway, have been supported by an explicit carbon pricing mechanism.

North America

United States of America

In the United States, government incentives have long supported technologies like CCS. Since 1979, the federal tax code has included provisions to encourage enhanced oil recovery (EOR). A 15% tax credit for EOR using CO2 was introduced in 1986, leading to a significant increase in oil production through this method.

 The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated over $3 billion to CCS demonstration projects and a similar amount to developing regional CCS hubs. These hubs focus on capturing, transporting, and either storing or utilizing CO2. Additionally, hundreds of millions of dollars are allocated annually to loan guarantees for building CO2 transport infrastructure.

 The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 introduced updated tax incentives to promote CCS. Companies can receive up to $85 per tonne for CO2 captured and stored in geological formations and up to $60 per tonne for CO2 used in EOR. However, a 2020 federal investigation revealed that some companies failed to provide adequate proof of geological storage for nearly $900 million of the $1 billion claimed under the 45Q tax credit program.

 In 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed regulations requiring CCS to achieve a 90% emissions reduction for existing coal-fired and natural gas power plants by 2035–2040. For natural gas plants, alternative compliance pathways include using low-GHG hydrogen in specified proportions starting in 2032. While federal funding may cover pilot CCS projects, local jurisdictions are expected to oversee siting and construction. CO2 pipeline safety falls under the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which has faced criticism for being underfunded and understaffed.

Canada

 In Canada, a tax credit for CCS equipment was established for 2022–2028, providing a 50% credit for capture equipment and 37.5% for transport and storage equipment. Although industry groups requested a 75% credit, the program is expected to cost CAD $5.7 billion over five years. Saskatchewan has also extended its 20% tax credit for pipelines transporting CO2 under its Oil Infrastructure Investment Program.

Europe

Norway

 Norway has integrated CCS into its strategy to align fossil fuel exports with its national emission-reduction goals. In 1991, a CO2 tax on offshore oil and gas production was introduced, incentivizing the adoption of CCS. This tax, coupled with favorable geological conditions, led Equinor to implement CCS at the Sleipner and Snøhvit gas fields, making them early examples of successful CCS projects.

Denmark

 Denmark recently announced €5 billion in subsidies to support CCS initiatives, highlighting its commitment to reducing carbon emissions through this technology.

United Kingdom

 The UK government’s CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) roadmap outlines a collaborative approach with industry to deploy CCS technology. By 2030, the plan aims to capture 20–30 million tonnes of CO2 annually through four low-carbon industrial clusters. In September 2024, the UK announced £21.7 billion in subsidies over 25 years to support the HyNet CCS and blue hydrogen scheme in Merseyside and the East Coast Cluster in Teesside.

Asia

China has actively promoted CCS through various national policies and guidelines. The Chinese State Council has introduced over 10 initiatives, including the "Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025)" and "Vision 2035 of China," to encourage CCS adoption as part of its broader economic and environmental strategies. These policies underline China's commitment to integrating CCS in its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

Australia

Australia has been actively advancing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) initiatives to mitigate carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and combat climate change. As of June 2024, the country has 16 announced CO₂ storage projects, including one operational, one under construction, and 14 in various stages of feasibility and development. Collectively, these projects have stored over 9 million tonnes of CO₂, with a total demonstrated storage capacity of 403 million tonnes.

 Located in Western Australia, the Gorgon Project is Australia's only operating commercial CCS facility. By December 2023, it had successfully stored more than 9 million tonnes of CO₂ in the Dupuy Formation beneath Barrow Island. Also, the Moomba Project is scheduled to commence CO₂ injection in 2024. This development marks a significant step in expanding Australia's CCS capabilities.

 In 2023, ten offshore areas were released for bidding under the Commonwealth Offshore Greenhouse Gas Storage Acreage Release process. These areas, located in the Bonaparte, Browse, Northern Carnarvon, Perth, Otway, Bass, and Gippsland basins, are intended to facilitate the identification and development of suitable long-term CO₂ storage sites.

Conclusion

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) represents a promising technological solution to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions and combat climate change. It offers a pathway to reduce emissions from difficult-to-decarbonize sectors like cement, steel, and fossil-fuel power plants while potentially enabling negative emissions when paired with bioenergy.

 However, CCS is not without its controversies. The heavy financial and infrastructural investments required, coupled with safety and environmental concerns, present challenges to its widespread adoption. Critics argue that reliance on CCS may prolong dependence on fossil fuels, delaying the transition to renewable energy sources. Also, questions around the efficiency, scalability, and long-term effectiveness of CCS persist, particularly concerning its ability to significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.

 Environmental NGOs, such as Friends of the Earth, often view CCS negatively. Critics argue that CCS is an expensive, unproven technology that perpetuates dependence on fossil fuels. They believe more effective ways exist to reduce emissions and see CCS as a distraction from investing in sustainable alternatives. Many environmental groups advocate for redirecting government funding toward initiatives unconnected to the fossil fuel industry, emphasizing renewable energy and efficiency over CCS.

 To maximize the benefits of CCS, businesses and policymakers need to prioritize sustainable and transparent implementation. This includes improving cost-efficiency, ensuring long-term CO2 storage safety, and aligning CCS initiatives with renewable energy transitions. Investing in research and development, as well as fostering global collaboration, will also be critical for addressing the technical and economic challenges facing CCS.

 Ultimately, CCS is not a silver bullet for climate change. Instead, it should be part of a multifaceted approach that includes renewable energy, energy efficiency, reforestation, and sustainable agricultural practices. Balancing CCS with these solutions ensures that global climate goals can be achieved while transitioning toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Reference: 

https://www.nationalgrid.com/stories/energy-explained/what-is-ccs-how-does-it-work

https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/carbon-capture.htm

https://www.azocleantech.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1572

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_capture_and_storage

https://www.konsyse.com/articles/pros-and-cons-of-carbon-capture-and-storage