As we strive to limit global warming to 1.5°C, cutting emissions isn’t enough on its own. Many industries, like cement, steel, and power generation, face unique challenges in reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. To address this, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has emerged as a critical tool. In this post, we’ll explore the latest advances in carbon capture technology, their potential for driving climate progress, and the challenges that remain.
What Is Carbon Capture, and Why Is It Important?
Carbon capture involves capturing CO₂ emissions before they reach the atmosphere, then either storing them underground or using them in other processes. CCS is considered essential for industries that cannot easily switch to zero-carbon energy sources, such as heavy manufacturing and fossil fuel-based power plants. By capturing emissions at the source, CCS technology could reduce the CO₂ impact of these sectors significantly.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), CCS could account for nearly 15% of global emissions reductions needed by 2050 if deployed at scale (S&P Global).
Recent Advances in Carbon Capture Technology
- Direct Air Capture (DAC): Direct air capture is a technology that removes CO₂ directly from the atmosphere, which can then be stored or used in products like concrete. Companies like Climeworks and Carbon Engineering are pioneering DAC systems that can be scaled up in the coming years. Climeworks recently launched its “Orca” plant in Iceland, which can capture up to 4,000 tons of CO₂ annually—one of the largest DAC installations to date (World Economic Forum).
- Biological Carbon Capture: Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) combines biomass energy production with carbon capture. Plants absorb CO₂ as they grow, and when biomass is burned for energy, CCS captures the emissions. This approach is particularly promising because it results in “negative emissions,” removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Drax Power in the UK is exploring BECCS to turn its operations carbon-negative by 2030 (UN Press).
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Although controversial, enhanced oil recovery, where captured CO₂ is injected into oil reservoirs to increase output, is gaining traction. EOR can provide a revenue stream to offset the high costs of carbon capture, making it more viable. However, critics argue that it promotes continued fossil fuel use. Still, with improved technology, EOR can be part of a transitional strategy toward large-scale CO₂ storage.
Challenges Facing Carbon Capture
- High Costs: One of the biggest obstacles to carbon capture is its cost. Setting up CCS infrastructure requires substantial investments, and without supportive policies, the economic viability remains limited. Direct air capture costs, for example, range between $100 to $600 per ton of CO₂ removed, which is still too high for widespread adoption (S&P Global).
- Storage Risks: Storing captured CO₂ underground presents safety concerns, such as leakage risks and seismic activity. Researchers are working to improve monitoring and storage techniques to make long-term storage safer and more reliable.
- Policy and Regulation: CCS deployment depends heavily on policy incentives. Governments need to implement carbon pricing, tax credits, and subsidies to make CCS economically attractive. For example, the United States offers a tax credit under Section 45Q for every ton of CO₂ stored, but similar policies are needed in more regions to drive global adoption (World Economic Forum).
The Future of Carbon Capture: A Necessary Component of Climate Strategy
Carbon capture technology isn’t a silver bullet, but it’s an essential tool for achieving climate goals alongside renewable energy and energy efficiency. Advances in DAC, BECCS, and other capture methods offer promising pathways, but to fully realize their potential, we need coordinated efforts in policy, investment, and public acceptance. As technology improves, the cost and efficiency of carbon capture will continue to advance, bringing us closer to a sustainable, low-carbon future.
In the coming years, supporting CCS could mean a major breakthrough in climate resilience and a strong step toward mitigating industrial emissions. For businesses, investing in CCS as part of their sustainability strategy could become an essential part of corporate responsibility.
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