How can you improve carbon capture and storage?

1 Capture methods

The first step of CCS is to capture CO2 from the source before it is released into the atmosphere. There are different methods for doing this, depending on the type and concentration of CO2 in the flue gas or exhaust stream. Some of the most common methods are post-combustion capture, where CO2 is separated from the gas using solvents or membranes; pre-combustion capture, where the fuel is converted into hydrogen and CO2 before combustion; and oxy-fuel combustion, where the fuel is burned in pure oxygen to produce a high-CO2 gas. To improve capture methods, you can optimize the design and operation of the capture systems, use more efficient and selective solvents or membranes, and integrate capture with other processes, such as water treatment or heat recovery.

2 Transport methods

The second step of CCS is to transport the captured CO2 to a suitable storage site or utilization option. The most common method for transporting CO2 is by pipeline, which is similar to transporting natural gas or oil. However, pipelines require high pressure and can pose safety and environmental risks. Other methods include shipping, trucking, or rail, which can be more flexible and suitable for smaller or offshore sources. To improve transport methods, you can reduce the energy and cost of compression, use smart pipeline networks that can adjust to changing demand and supply, and explore alternative modes of transport, such as liquefied CO2 or solid CO2 pellets.

3 Storage methods

The third step of CCS is to store the CO2 in a secure and permanent way, so that it does not leak back into the atmosphere or cause any negative impacts. The most common method for storing CO2 is in deep geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, or coal seams. These formations have natural barriers that can trap CO2 for long periods of time. However, they also have limited capacity and require careful site selection, monitoring, and regulation. Other methods include storing CO2 in the ocean, in mineral form, or in biological systems, such as forests or algae. To improve storage methods, you can enhance the capacity and performance of geological formations, use CO2 for enhanced oil recovery or enhanced geothermal systems, and develop new technologies and methods for ocean, mineral, or biological storage.

4 Utilization methods

The fourth step of CCS is to utilize the CO2 for beneficial purposes, rather than storing it. This can create value and reduce the net emissions of CO2. Some of the most common methods for utilizing CO2 are in the chemical industry, where CO2 can be used as a feedstock for producing fuels, plastics, or other products; in the agricultural industry, where CO2 can be used as a fertilizer or a growth enhancer for crops or greenhouses; and in the construction industry, where CO2 can be used as a curing agent or a binder for concrete or other materials. To improve utilization methods, you can increase the conversion efficiency and selectivity of CO2, develop new markets and applications for CO2-based products, and integrate utilization with capture and storage.

5 Policy and regulation

The fifth step of CCS is to ensure that it is supported by adequate policy and regulation, which can provide incentives, guidance, and oversight for the development and deployment of CCS. Policy and regulation can affect the economic viability, environmental integrity, and social acceptance of CCS. Some of the key policy and regulation issues for CCS are carbon pricing, which can create a market and a revenue stream for CCS; performance standards, which can set emission limits or capture requirements for sources; and legal frameworks, which can define the rights and responsibilities of the actors involved in CCS, such as ownership, liability, and monitoring. To improve policy and regulation, you can harmonize and coordinate the policies and regulations across different levels and sectors, engage and consult with stakeholders and communities, and evaluate and update the policies and regulations based on the best available evidence and practice.

6 Innovation and collaboration

The sixth step of CCS is to foster innovation and collaboration, which can accelerate the research, development, and demonstration of CCS. Innovation and collaboration can involve different actors, such as academia, industry, government, and civil society, and different aspects, such as technology, business, and education. Some of the ways to promote innovation and collaboration are to establish and support research centers and networks, to facilitate knowledge sharing and technology transfer, to provide funding and incentives for pilot and demonstration projects, and to raise awareness and capacity building for CCS. To improve innovation and collaboration, you can identify and address the gaps and barriers in the CCS innovation system, leverage the synergies and complementarities among the actors and aspects, and foster a culture of learning and adaptation for CCS.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?