Carbon Capture Technology, Utilisation & Storage: How it Works

Carbon Capture Technology, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) is a groundbreaking technology designed to reduce carbon emissions. It captures Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from industrial sources, power plants and other sources. This captured CO2 can be reused in products like fuels, building materials (utilisation), or stored underground (storage).

At a time when CO2 is responsible for 76 per cent of total greenhouse gas emissions and human activities have raised atmospheric CO2 by 50%, CCUS plays a key role in mitigating climate change by lowering atmospheric CO2 levels while supporting sustainable industry practices.

This article dives deep into CCUS technologies and explores projects where this technology is successfully used.

Carbon Capture Technology: Three Approaches

There are three main approaches to carbon capture technology: post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and oxyfuel combustion. Let’s discuss each of these in detail.

1. Post-combustion Carbon Capture Technology

Post-combustion carbon capture involves extracting CO2 from flue gases after fuel combustion occurs. This method can reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power plants and industrial processes. Commonly, the process uses liquid solvents, typically amine-based, to absorb CO2 from the exhaust stream. The CO2-rich solvent is then heated to release concentrated CO2, which is compressed for transport and storage.

The advantage of this technology is that it can be retrofitted to existing facilities, making it versatile for various industries. However, high energy requirements for solvent regeneration, potential solvent degradation, and equipment corrosion offer challenges to adaptation of this technology. Ongoing research in this area currently focuses on developing more efficient solvents and process optimizations to reduce costs and improve performance.

2. Pre-combustion Carbon Capture Technology

Pre-combustion carbon capture technology removes carbon dioxide (CO2) from fossil fuels before they are combusted. This technology is used in some applications, primarily in integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) power plants. It involves converting fuel into a gas and burning it in a partial oxygen environment. This produces a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide (syngas). The syngas is then reacted with steam, producing more hydrogen and CO2. The CO2 is then separated, typically using physical or chemical absorption methods, resulting in a hydrogen-rich fuel that can be burned with minimal CO2 emissions.

This approach has the advantage of achieving higher CO2 capture rates and lower energy penalties compared to post-combustion capture. However, it requires significant modifications to existing plants and is mainly applicable to new facilities. Challenges for this technology include high initial costs and the complexity of the gasification process.

3. Oxyfuel Combustion

Oxyfuel combustion carbon capture involves burning fuel in pure oxygen instead of air. This process produces a flue gas composed primarily of CO2 and water vapour, eliminating the need to separate CO2 from nitrogen. The water vapour is easily condensed, leaving a highly concentrated CO2 stream ready for compression and storage. This method can achieve near-complete carbon capture rates and applies to both new and retrofitted power plants.

There are, however, some challenges associated with this. This includes the high energy demand for oxygen production and the need for specialized boiler designs to handle higher combustion temperatures. There is a lot of ongoing research in this area that focuses on improving oxygen production efficiency and developing advanced materials for oxyfuel-compatible equipment.

Research in these three technologies can offer potential solutions for effective CCUS. Now let us look at two carbon capture technologies in use.

Carbon Capture Technology in Use

The future of carbon capture technology holds a lot of potential. Two major technologies in this area are Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Carbon Capture at Power Plants.

1. Direct Air Capture (DAC)

Direct Air Capture (DAC) captures carbon dioxide from the air using special filters. It’s new and a bit expensive, but DAC has huge potential to cut down atmospheric carbon (Verde Agritech). By zeroing in on CO2 in the air, DAC could seriously lower greenhouse gas levels.

Advantages of DAC Technology:

• Captures CO2 right from the air.
• Can be set up anywhere, super flexible.
• Could scale up to make a significant reduction in climate impact.

Want to know more about how DAC and other cool techs are fighting air pollution? Check out our article on air pollution reduction technologies.

2. Membrane Gas Separation

Membrane gas separation is a carbon capture technology that uses selective membranes to separate CO2 from other gases. It uses a semi-permeable membrane that allows certain gases to pass through while blocking others Based on differences in physical/chemical properties between different gas molecules. CO2 molecules pass through the membrane while other gases are retained (Verde Agritech).

It can use different types of membranes such as polymeric membranes, inorganic membranes, mixed matrix membranes or facilitated transport membranes.

Advantages of Membrane Gas Separation Technology:

• It has lower energy requirements compared to other separation methods and no phase change is required
• Easy to scale up or down with simple operation and maintenance
• Environmental advantages such as no chemical additives required and no secondary waste generation
• It has lower operating costs with minimal maintenance requirements
• Long membrane life with modular design possible and easy to retrofit existing systems

Capture Carbon Technology: Advanced Methods

Now let us look at some advanced methods to capture carbon emissions. These are Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), and Cryogenic Carbon Capture (CCC).

1. Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW)

Enhanced rock weathering is a carbon capture technology that accelerates natural weathering processes. It involves spreading finely ground silicate rocks, like basalt or olivine, over large land areas. As these minerals react with CO2 in the air and rain, they form carbonates, effectively locking away atmospheric carbon. This method can also improve soil quality and crop yields while reducing ocean acidification.

Why ERW is Good:

• Captures CO2 efficiently
• Lower capex and opex
• Boosts soil health

2. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)

BECCS is like a double whammy. BECCS combines biomass energy production with carbon capture technology. It involves growing crops or trees, which naturally absorb CO2, then burning this biomass for energy while capturing and storing the emitted CO2. This process potentially results in negative emissions, as it removes more CO2 from the atmosphere than it releases, making it a promising tool for climate change mitigation.

Why BECCS is Great:

• Reduced more CO2 than it emits
• Generates renewable energy
• Helps cut down carbon significantly

3. Cryogenic Carbon Capture (CCC)

CCC uses an innovative technology that freezes CO2 out of flue gases. The process cools exhaust streams to around -140°C (-220°F), causing CO2 to desublimate into a solid. This solid CO2 is then separated and pressurised for storage or utilisation. CCC can potentially capture over 95% of emitted CO2 and requires less energy than some traditional capture methods.

Why CCC is Cool:

• Requires less energy than other methods
• Works on various emission sources
• Can be used in many places

Why Carbon Capture is a Necessity Today

With growing concerns of greenhouse gas emissions and global temperatures rising, CCUS can really help us tackle these environmental issues. Let us look at the reasons in detail.

1. Cutting Down Carbon Emissions

First off, carbon capture and storage (CCS) helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the atmosphere. Since CO2 is a major culprit behind global warming, this is a big deal. By trapping and storing CO2, we can cut down on greenhouse gases, which helps fight climate change. This not only protects our planet but also makes it a better place for future generations.

2. Boosting Energy Security

CCS isn’t just about the environment; it’s also a win for energy security. As we shift from fossil fuels to renewables like wind and solar, CCS can act as a reliable backup. This makes green energy more dependable and cheaper. Mixing CCS with renewable energy systems can create a more stable energy grid. This means less reliance on fossil fuels and a steady energy supply.

3. Creating Jobs

CCS tech can also create a lot of jobs. Building and maintaining carbon capture facilities opens up tons of job opportunities in construction, engineering, and maintenance. This is great news for local communities and economies (Verde Agritech Blog).

Table 1. Job creation in CCUS

Source: Secondary Research

Plus, developing CCS tech can spark innovation and investment in new industries, creating even more jobs and economic growth.

Carbon capture technology has huge potential for cutting emissions, boosting energy security, and creating jobs. All in all, these technologies can help us make big strides toward a greener and more prosperous future.

Challenges with Carbon Capture

So, when it comes to carbon capture technology, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are some pretty hefty challenges that make it tough to roll out CCUS on a big scale. The main headaches? High costs and serious environmental risks. Let us look at these in detail.

1. High Technology Costs

CCS or CCUS isn’t cheap. The technology currently need huge investments for research, development, and the infrastructure to make it happen (Verde Agritech Blog). The price tag for capturing carbon can vary wildly depending on where the emissions are coming from. For instance, CCS can cost anywhere from €14 to €110 per tonne of carbon. But if you’re looking at direct air capture (DAC), brace yourself—those projects can cost between €550 and €916 per tonne because of the energy needed to capture carbon straight out of the air (Euronews).

On top of that, the global power sector is scrambling to keep up with rising demand while also trying to go green (IEA). This means policymakers need to get their act together to cut emissions from coal-fired power plants, both old and new, if we want to hit those climate goals.

2. Environmental Challenges

Money isn’t the only problem. There are also some pretty big environmental question marks hanging over carbon capture technology. One of the biggest worries is leakage. Captured CO2 when stored, usually gets stashed underground in geological formations, but keeping it there long-term is tricky. If it leaks, all that effort goes down the drain and could even mess up local ecosystems.

Then there’s the catch-22 of the whole process. Capturing and storing carbon takes a lot of energy. If that energy comes from fossil fuels, we might end up pumping out more emissions than we’re capturing. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.

Water use is another biggie. Some carbon capture methods use a lot of water, which can be a real problem in areas where water is already scarce. This is especially true for sustainable agriculture technology, where every drop counts.

As I continue my research on the future of carbon capture, one things is clear that we need to tackle these challenges head-on. The key here would be balancing high costs with the environmental perks and making sure the technology doesn’t backfire.

Success Stories in Carbon Capture

Now let us look at some standout projects that have made big moves in cutting carbon emissions.

1. Petra Nova Plant in Texas, USA

The Petra Nova Plant is a real game-changer in carbon capture. Kicking off in 2017, this project is a team effort between NRG Energy and JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration. The Petra Nova Plant can capture about 90% of the CO2 emissions from the power plant, which adds up to around 1.4 million tons of CO2 each year. The captured CO2 then gets a second life in enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

2. Sleipner Project in the North Sea

The Sleipner Project, which started in 1996, is another stellar example of carbon capture done right. This project has trapped over 25 million tonnes of CO2, proving that large-scale carbon capture is doable without messing up oil and gas production. Plus, it showed that carbon capture can be cost-effective, with the price per tonne dropping over time.

3. Gorgon Project in Australia

The Gorgon Project in Australia is one of the heavyweights in carbon capture. It can grab up to 4 million tonnes of CO2 each year, which is like taking over 800,000 cars off the road. Despite some flak for its high cost and late start, the Gorgon Project shows that carbon capture tech can work on a big scale and even in out-of-the-way places.

These success stories highlight the power and promise of carbon capture technology in our push for a greener future.

Carbon Utilisation: What all Can be Done

One of the most mind-blowing things about carbon capture is figuring out what to do with all that CO2 once we’ve got it. Instead of just storing it away, we can use it for certain applications.

For example, in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), CO2 gets pumped into old oil fields to squeeze out more oil (MIT Climate). But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. CO2 can also be turned into plastics, building materials, fuels, and even everyday items like carbonated drinks.

This isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business too. Creating markets for captured CO2 can make the whole carbon capture thing a lot cheaper for companies. It’s a win-win.

Check out this table for a quick look at some uses for captured CO2:

Using Ionic Liquids

Now, let’s talk about ionic liquids. These are salts that stay liquid and have some pretty sweet properties for capturing CO2. They’re non-volatile, which means they don’t evaporate and cause a mess. They’re also super stable at high temperatures and can be fine-tuned to capture CO2 while ignoring other gases.

Using ionic liquids means we can capture CO2 more efficiently and with less energy, making the whole process cheaper and greener. This could be a game-changer for industries looking to cut down on emissions.

Here’s a quick rundown of what makes ionic liquids so special:

These advancements in carbon capture technology are super promising for cutting down emissions and fighting climate change. By finding smart uses for captured CO2 and leveraging the power of ionic liquids, we are inching closer towards a greener, low-carbon future.

Global Impact of Carbon Capture

1. Role in Low-Carbon Power Systems

So, let’s talk about carbon capture and why it’s a game-changer for low-carbon power systems. Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) tech is like the Swiss Army knife for modern power grids. According to the IEA, power plants with CCUS are expected to churn out 5% of the world’s electricity by 2040. That’s a big deal for keeping our lights on without causing irreversible damage to the planet.

CCUS tech can slash the costs of transforming our power systems. When you factor in their flexibility, reliability, and low carbon footprint, these technologies become essential for cutting emissions. With power demand skyrocketing, carbon capture is crucial for cleaning up emissions from both old and new coal-fired plants.

Source: IEA

2. Achieving Net Zero Goals

Hitting net zero by 2050 is like climbing Everest, and carbon capture tech is our Sherpa. CCS captures CO2 from the air or emission points and stores it away safely (National Grid) making it a must-have for countries chasing their climate goals.

By grasping how carbon capture technology fits into low-carbon power systems and its role in hitting Net Zero, it’s clear we need to push this tech forward. The global impact of carbon capture is massive, promising a greener, more sustainable future.

The Future of Carbon Capture Technology

As we move ahead in the world of carbon capture technology, two things would be necessary to increase CCUS adoption across the globe. These are boosting capture rates and spreading projects across the globe. Let us discuss these in detail.

1. Boosting Capture Rates

One of the coolest things happening in carbon capture is the push to capture more CO2. Right now, most plants capture about 90% of CO2 from flue gas. But experts think we can hit 98% or even higher. Getting there is key if we want CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) to help us hit net-zero emissions.

To reach those higher rates, we need some tech tweaks. Bigger gear, extra steps, and more energy are part of the deal, which means higher costs. But catching almost all CO2 emissions? Totally worth it.

2. Spreading Projects Worldwide

Another exciting area is getting more carbon capture projects up and running around the world. As of 2023, there are about 45 commercial facilities doing their thing with CCUS in industries like power generation and fuel transformation. And the plans for more are growing fast.

Since February 2023, developers have announced plans for 115 million tons (Mt) of extra CO2 capture capacity per year by 2030. They’re also looking at sectors that are tough to decarbonize, like heavy industry and low-emissions hydrogen production (IEA).

Getting more regions on board with carbon capture tech is crucial. The more places that adopt it, the more we can cut down on carbon emissions and get closer to our net-zero goals.

In Conclusion

CCUS technologies offer promising solutions in our fight against climate change. From post-combustion capture to innovative methods like enhanced rock weathering, these approaches aim to reduce CO2 emissions significantly. While challenges such as high technology costs remain presently, ongoing research and development are improving efficiency and reducing costs. As we transition to a low-carbon future, CCUS will likely play a crucial role alongside renewable energy and energy efficiency measures.