What is Carbon Capture? [A Comprehensive Guide]

Businesses adopting carbon capture technologies demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility. ‍As organizations increasingly prioritize carbon emission reduction, governments worldwide are implementing policies and financial incentives to drive investment in carbon capture technology.

Tax credits, loan guarantees, and research funding, such as the significant allocations from the US Department of Energy's Office of Fossil Energy, are crucial in encouraging private sector involvement. This financial support facilitates infrastructural development, boosts investor confidence, and mitigates project risks. 

The United States and the European Union have shown commitment through substantial investments, aiming to enhance the efficiency of carbon capture technologies. As climate concerns heighten, investing in carbon capture research emerges as a climate action strategy and means for sustainable economic growth and environmental stewardship. 

In this article, let us delve into the details of carbon capture technology, its applications, benefits, and economic opportunities while being aware of the challenges.

What is carbon capture?

Carbon capture is capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from fossil fuel usage in electricity generation and industrial processes. It prevents the release of this greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. 

The captured CO2 is typically transported and stored underground, reducing its impact on climate change. Carbon capture technologies play a crucial role in mitigating global warming by reducing the overall carbon footprint of human activities.

Industrial applications of carbon capture and storage (CCS)

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), around 45% of total CO2 captured between 2015 and 2050 will be in industrial applications, accounting for an increasing share of CCS deployment. Industries such as natural gas processing, food and drink, pulp and paper, refining, chemicals, cement, iron and steel, non-ferrous metals, and biofuels are suitable for CCS applications. 

They collectively represent approximately 22% of global CO2 emissions. CCS is crucial for substantial emission reductions in these sectors, offering cost-effective carbon capture opportunities.

Carbon capture technologies and how they work

Carbon capture involves capturing CO2 emissions at power plants or industrial facilities. Its methods may include post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, or oxy-fuel combustion. Once captured, CO2 is transported to a storage site, often via pipelines, and stored in geological formations like depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers. 

The process is also known as carbon capture and storage (CCS) or carbon capture and utilization (CCU), where CO2 can be repurposed, such as in enhanced oil recovery.

a. Pre-combustion capture

Pre-combustion capture, occurring before fossil fuel combustion, involves the reaction of fuel with oxygen or steam during processing. It generates hydrogen and carbon monoxide synthesis. 

Separating CO2 from this mixture produces a hydrogen stream for energy generation, minimizing carbon emissions and providing a cleaner approach to power generation.

b. Post-combustion capture

Post-combustion capture is a method that captures CO2 emissions after the combustion of fossil fuels in power plants or industrial facilities. The process involves treating the flue gas emitted from combustion with a solvent or alternative methods to capture CO2. 

The separated CO2 is subsequently compressed and can be transported for storage or utilized in various applications. 

c. Oxy-fuel combustion

Oxy-fuel combustion entails burning fossil fuels in an oxygen-rich environment instead of air. This process produces a flue gas primarily composed of CO2 and water vapor, simplifying the separation of CO2 for capture. 

The condensed water vapor leaves a concentrated CO2 stream, which can be stored or used in various applications.

Understanding carbon capture and storage (CCS)

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasized that meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement and restricting future temperature rises to 1.5°C (2.7°F) requires more than simply intensifying emission reduction efforts. 

Deploying carbon capture technologies is essential for actively extracting carbon from the atmosphere. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) stands out as one such technology, offering a pivotal contribution to addressing the challenges of global warming.

a. Geological storage

It involves injecting captured CO2 into geological formations like depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers. The CO2 is stored underground in porous rock formations, ensuring its secure, long-term containment and preventing release into the atmosphere. 

b. Ocean storage

This method involves injecting CO2 into the deep ocean. The mechanism includes the dissolution and dispersion of CO2 in ocean water. Despite its proposal, the approach raises environmental concerns and potential ecological impacts. It necessitates careful consideration before implementation.

c. Mineralization

This method transforms CO2 into stable minerals through chemical reactions with specific rocks. The captured CO2 reacts with minerals, creating solid carbonate formations, offering a geologically stable and permanent storage solution for carbon.

5 potential benefits of carbon capture and storage (CCS)

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical technology in the fight against climate change, despite challenges tied to its energy-intensive processes. While concentrating on inert CO2 molecules proves expensive, industry leaders persist in establishing practical and profitable CO2 applications.

Here are its potential benefits:

a. Mitigating climate change

Carbon capture mitigates climate change by actively reducing carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere. It is especially crucial in "hard-to-abate" industries like cement, steel, and chemicals, which face challenges in conventional decarbonization.

CCUS solutions capture and store or reuse CO2 emissions. They contribute significantly to greenhouse gas reduction in traditionally challenging sectors.

b. Clean energy production

CCUS contributes to low-carbon electricity and hydrogen production, enabling the transition of various sectors away from fossil fuels. It can be integrated into power plants using coal, gas, biomass, or waste, producing low-carbon electricity for personal transport, heating, and industrial heat extraction.

c. Climate goals & agreement

Carbon capture is instrumental in achieving global climate goals, such as those outlined in the Paris Agreement. By actively reducing carbon emissions, carbon capture contributes to meeting international climate targets.

d. Economic opportunities & job creation

Increased implementation of CCS operations requires more skilled technicians and creates substantial job opportunities across the technology's lifecycle. The growth of the carbon capture industry fosters economic opportunities, driving employment from research and development to implementation and maintenance, contributing to overall economic growth and diversification.

e. Fostering research & innovation

Carbon capture drives technological advancements and sustainable solutions. It benefits both the industry and broader climate change mitigation. An example is the development of efficient solvent-based capture technologies, where ongoing research optimizes solvents for improved CO2 absorption, selectivity, and reduced energy requirements. 

It enhances the economic and environmental viability of carbon capture methods.

Challenges and limitations of carbon capture and storage

While carbon capture and storage (CCS) has gained attention, its broader industrial implementation faces exploration hurdles due to numerous challenges.

a. Technological challenges

Developing efficient and scalable carbon capture technologies is challenging. It requires innovations for enhanced efficiency, reduced energy consumption, and adaptability to diverse industrial processes. 

b. Cost-effectiveness

The economic viability of carbon capture remains a hurdle. High upfront costs and operational expenses, including those related to capture, transport, and storage, must be addressed to make carbon capture more financially competitive.

c. Energy intensity

Carbon capture processes often require substantial energy, contributing to the overall energy intensity of the system. Balancing the energy demands of capture with the goal of emission reduction is a critical consideration.

d. Regulatory and policy issues

Clear and consistent regulations can help the widespread adoption of carbon capture technologies. A supportive regulatory framework is crucial to incentivize industries to invest in and implement these solutions.

e. Public perception and acceptance

Public perception of carbon capture, influenced by concerns about safety, environmental impacts, and long-term storage, can affect project approval and societal acceptance. Effective communication is vital for building public trust.

f. Environmental and safety considerations

While generally considered safe, carbon capture and storage involve potential risks such as leakage, groundwater contamination, pipeline incidents, and health risks. Establishing standardized protocols for ongoing monitoring and verification is crucial for effective risk management in carbon capture initiatives.

Carbon capture utilization for corporate social responsibility

Businesses actively contribute to global climate change mitigation by reducing carbon emissions and fostering a sense of responsibility towards the planet. This aligns with sustainability goals and positions them as industry leaders, influencing peers to embrace responsible practices. 

Moreover, global emission reduction targets set by governments drive companies to invest in carbon capture for regulatory compliance. Beyond regulations, this commitment enhances public relations and brand image. 

Financial incentives like tax credits drive investment (45Q carbon capture tax credit), showcasing a strategic and responsible choice. Notable examples include Microsoft, which aims to be carbon-negative by 2030. 

One step towards carbon emission optimization is utility bill automation which can help businesses keep track of their energy consumption. Automation tools provide real-time monitoring of utility usage, enabling decision-makers to take targeted action on optimal resource allocation. These initiatives demonstrate a forward-thinking approach, fostering innovation and contributing to a low-carbon future, meeting business goals and environmental expectations.