Carbon capture and storage
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants and industrial processes, and then stores the CO2 in underground geological formations. The goal of CCS is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. There are several different technologies that can be used for CCS, including post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and oxyfuel combustion. The captured CO2 can be stored in a variety of geological formations, including depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams. Despite the potential benefits, CCS is still a relatively new and expensive technology, and there are still some challenges that need to be overcome before it can be widely implemented.
Difference between CCS and CCU
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture and utilization (CCU) are related but distinct technologies.
CCS captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from power plants and industrial processes and then stores the CO2 in underground geological formations. The goal of CCS is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
CCU, on the other hand, captures CO2 and then uses it as a feedstock to produce valuable chemicals, fuels, or other products. The goal of CCU is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also creating new economic opportunities.
In summary, CCS is focused on reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by storing it underground, while CCU is focused on reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere by using it as a resource.
Risk of CO2 leakage
The risk of CO2 leakage from underground storage sites is a concern with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Leakage can occur if the CO2 is not properly contained in the storage formation, and it can have a number of negative impacts.
One of the primary risks of CO2 leakage is that it can escape into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and potentially negating the climate benefits of CCS. Leaked CO2 can also migrate into underground aquifers, potentially contaminating drinking water. Additionally, leaked CO2 can cause pressure changes in the subsurface, which can trigger earthquakes or other geological activity.
To mitigate these risks, CCS storage sites are typically designed with multiple layers of protection, including a caprock, a seal, and a monitoring and verification system. These measures are in place to ensure that CO2 is contained within the storage formation and to detect any leakage that may occur.
However, it’s important to note that, as with any technology, there is no guarantee that leaks will not occur, especially over the long-term. Monitoring, risk assessment and site management are crucial to ensure safety and security of the storage site, in order to minimize the risk of leakage and to detect any leaks as soon as possible if they do occur.
Trust of the public in CCS
The level of public trust in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can vary depending on a number of factors, including the specific location and proposed use of a CCS project, as well as the general public’s understanding and perceptions of the technology.
One major factor that can influence public trust in CCS is the risk of CO2 leakage from underground storage sites. If the public perceives that the risks of leakage outweigh the potential benefits of CCS, they may be less likely to support the technology.
Another factor that can influence public trust in CCS is the perceived fairness and transparency of the decision-making process for CCS projects. If the public feels that the decision-making process is not inclusive or that their concerns are not being properly addressed, they may be less likely to support CCS.
Additionally, public trust in CCS can be influenced by the level of engagement and communication from project developers and government agencies. If the public feels well-informed and included in the decision-making process, they may be more likely to support CCS.
However, it’s worth noting that public trust in CCS can also be influenced by the general public’s understanding and perceptions of climate change and energy transition. If the public understands the need for technology such as CCS in addressing the climate change, they may be more likely to support CCS projects.
Ultimately, building and maintaining public trust in CCS will require ongoing engagement and communication with the public, as well as a transparent and inclusive decision-making process.
