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Follow a link to one of the three main part of CCUS or learn more by reading the overview section below.
- Carbon Capture
- Carbon Utilization
- Carbon Storage
Overview
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a category of the energy industry that refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial and power plants, and then storing or utilizing them in a way that prevents their release into the atmosphere.
CCUS technology has the potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial facilities. According to the International Energy Agency, CCUS could account for 14% of the total emissions reduction required to meet global climate targets by 2050.
If deployed effectively, CCUS will help with the transition to a low-carbon economy by enabling the use of low-carbon or renewable energy sources while also reducing emissions from traditional fossil fuel-based sources. The process of CCUS involves three main steps: carbon capture, carbon utilization, and carbon storage.
Carbon Capture: Carbon capture is the first step in the CCUS process, and involves the separation of CO2 from the flue gas emitted by power plants and industrial facilities. There are several methods of carbon capture, including post-combustion, pre-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion.
Post-combustion carbon capture is the most commonly used method, as it can be retrofitted into existing power plants and industrial facilities. This method involves the capture of CO2 from the flue gas after it has been produced. This is done using various techniques, such as absorption, adsorption, and membrane separation. Once the CO2 has been captured, it is then transported to a storage or utilization site.
Pre-combustion carbon capture, on the other hand, involves the capture of CO2 before combustion occurs. This method is commonly used in the production of hydrogen from fossil fuels. The CO2 is captured during the process of converting fossil fuels into hydrogen, and then separated and stored or utilized.
Oxy-fuel combustion is another method of carbon capture that involves the combustion of fuels in an oxygen-rich environment. This results in a high concentration of CO2 in the flue gas, which can then be captured and stored or utilized.
Carbon Utilization: The second step in the CCUS process is carbon utilization, which involves using the captured CO2 in various industrial processes. Carbon utilization offers the potential to create valuable products while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Some of the most promising carbon utilization methods include enhanced oil recovery (EOR), the production of chemicals, and the generation of biofuels.
Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is the most common carbon utilization method. It involves injecting CO2 into oil reservoirs to increase the pressure and push oil to the surface. This can lead to the recovery of up to 20% more oil from existing wells.
The production of chemicals is another promising carbon utilization method. CO2 can be converted into chemicals such as methanol, urea, and polymers. These products can then be used in a variety of applications, such as plastics, fertilizers, and pharmaceuticals.
Biofuels are another area where carbon utilization is being explored. CO2 can be used to produce biofuels such as ethanol and butanol, which can be blended with gasoline to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.
Carbon Storage: The final step in the CCUS process is carbon storage, which involves the long-term storage of captured CO2 in geological formations. This can include saline aquifers, depleted oil and gas reservoirs, and unmineable coal seams.
Saline aquifers are large underground formations filled with saltwater that can provide secure and permanent storage for CO2. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs can also be used for carbon storage, as the reservoirs are already proven to be capable of storing hydrocarbons. Finally, unmineable coal seams can also be used for carbon storage, as the CO2 is absorbed into the coal and permanently stored.
Despite its potential benefits, the adoption of CCUS technology has been limited due to various challenges, including high costs, technical complexity, and public acceptance. Nevertheless, governments and industries around the world are actively exploring the potential of CCUS and investing in research and development to make it more economically and technically viable.