Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technological approach designed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial activities and power generation. The process involves capturing CO₂ at the source, transporting it via pipelines or ships, and storing it underground in geological formations. CCS is an essential tool for climate action as it prevents large amounts of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere, helping to combat global warming and meet global sustainability goals.
Origins and development of CCS
The concept of carbon capture dates back to the 1920s, when it was first used in natural gas processing to remove CO₂ from extracted gas. However, it was not until the 1970s that researchers began exploring its potential for large-scale CO₂ reduction. The first commercial CCS project, initiated in Norway in 1996, involved injecting CO₂ into a deep saline aquifer in the North Sea.
Since then, advancements in CCS have improved efficiency, storage security, and cost-effectiveness. Today, CCS is recognised as a key technology in achieving net-zero emissions and preventing the most severe impacts of climate change.
How carbon capture and storage works
CCS consists of three primary steps:
1. Capture: CO₂ is separated from industrial emissions using techniques such as pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion. These methods are increasingly applied in industries such as cement production, steel manufacturing, and power plants.
2. Transport: Once captured, CO₂ is transported through pipelines, ships, or other means to designated storage sites.
3. Storage: CO₂ is injected into underground rock formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers, where it remains trapped permanently.
Environmental protection and economic equality are key priorities in the global response to climate change. Carbon capture and storage is critical in supporting a just transition by enabling industries to reduce emissions without shutting down operations, preserving jobs, and fostering sustainable economic growth. Without CCS, reaching net-zero by 2050—a target set by the Paris Agreement—will be significantly more challenging.
Recent advancements in CCS technologies
1. Oxy-combustion in the cement industry
Oxy-combustion has emerged as a promising method for reducing CO₂ emissions in cement production. By using pure oxygen instead of air for combustion, this technology enhances efficiency and cuts down energy use. Studies suggest that oxy-combustion can capture over 90% of CO₂ emissions from cement kilns, making it a transformative solution for one of the world’s highest-emitting industries.
2. Hybrid absorption materials
Hybrid materials combining resins and chemical compounds have shown remarkable efficiency in capturing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere. These innovations make Direct Air Capture (DAC) more viable, offering a long-term solution to reducing excess atmospheric CO₂.
3. Strategic alliances for CCS deployment
Companies worldwide are forming partnerships to develop large-scale CCS infrastructure. An example is Técnicas Reunidas and Exolum, which are working on industrial decarbonisation projects in Spain, aligning with the European Union’s climate goals.
4. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)
MOFs are advanced materials designed to adsorb CO₂ with high selectivity. These structures enhance CCS efficiency, particularly in humid conditions where other materials degrade. Ongoing research aims to scale up their industrial use.
5. Direct Air Capture (DAC)
DAC extracts CO₂ directly from ambient air. Though still in its early stages, DAC technologies are becoming more efficient and scalable, with facilities like Climeworks in Switzerland leading the way.
Active applications and case studies
Boundary Dam Power Station, Canada
The world’s first coal-fired power plant with CCS technology, Boundary Dam captures 90% of its CO₂ emissions, preventing over 1 million tonnes of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere annually.
Padeswood Cement Plant, UK
The Padeswood project will capture CO₂ from cement production and store it in Liverpool Bay, significantly reducing emissions from one of the highest-emitting sectors.
Moomba CCS Project, Australia
Launched in 2024, this project has already stored 340,000 tonnes of CO₂ and is expected to reach 1.7 million tonnes annually, demonstrating the potential of CCS in achieving net-zero emissions.
International collaboration is vital to accelerating CCS deployment. Policy support, funding, and scientific research play key roles in making CCS more accessible and cost-effective. Organisations like the Global CCS Institute and the International Energy Agency (IEA) are actively working to enhance global cooperation and knowledge-sharing in CCS technologies.
With increasing commitments to economic sustainability, and climate action, CCS will continue to play a critical role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Scaling up CCS technologies, alongside renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements, is essential to achieving the global goals of a low-carbon future.
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