Energy transition is a broad, complex subject that has defined the energy industry in recent times. An umbrella term, energy transition describes the many financial, economic, social, and technological elements involved with reducing humanity’s reliance on fossil fuels and converting to sources of clean energy. There are many different strategies when it comes to energy transition, from low-carbon alternatives to artificial intelligence-powered insights. Carbon capture is an energy transition strategy first introduced in the US in 1972.
Carbon capture is a series of processes designed to trap carbon dioxide resulting from the burning of fossil fuels and other chemical and biological processes. After the carbon has been captured, it is stored via means that do not allow for atmospheric interference. In theory, carbon capture can be used to offset the impact of climate change.
Carbon capture is often referred to as carbon capture and storage (CCS), as the two steps are equally important. The three-step process also involves transporting captured carbon to the storage location. Carbon is usually transported in a condensed form via pipelines, though ground and sea transportation is also used. Carbon is typically stored deep inside rock formations, though saline aquifers and depleted oil and gas reservoirs provide additional options for permanent storage.
CCS is comparable to but distinct from carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS). The main difference is that CCUS proponents believe that captured carbon can be safely reused in industrial processes and biofuel creation.
While certain studies suggest that CCS is safe, there are concerns regarding how impactful carbon capture techniques can be. Due to cost and operational logistics, CCS technology needs to capture at least 90 percent of the carbon it is being used for. More than 200 million tons of carbon dioxide have been captured and stored in Texas alone. This may sound effective, but the amount of carbon dioxide produced by a single coal-operated power plant is more than 300 times greater than the amount of carbon in the atmosphere, meaning the remaining 10 percent is still considerable.
CCS technology could be improved to capture upwards of 99 percent of carbon. This would require a significant investment in existing CCS technology efforts. However, even optimized CCS technology would be one tool against climate change, not a cure-all. Many experts warn that the only way to reverse the global impacts of burning fossil fuels is to cease using fossil fuels. There would be no need for CCS technology in a world powered entirely by clean energy.
There are potential upsides to pursuing CCS technology. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, reducing the planet’s carbon emissions will not be enough to meet the Paris Agreement's climate goals and energy standards. CSS research may be helpful when implementing technologies designed to remove carbon from the atmosphere.
There are 30 permanent carbon capture projects worldwide today and the technology has been used for 50 years.
