CCS, which stands for Carbon Capture and Storage, refers to a process that aims to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial and power-generating sources by capturing and storing the CO2 underground or in other suitable locations. It is a technology designed to combat climate change and global warming by preventing CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.
The process involves three main steps: capturing, transporting, and storing the CO2. First, the CO2 is captured from power plants, industrial facilities, or other sources before it is emitted into the atmosphere. Various methods can be employed for capture, such as pre-combustion capture, post-combustion capture, and oxy-fuel combustion. Once captured, the CO2 is then transported, usually via pipelines, to a suitable storage site. Finally, the CO2 is stored underground, commonly in deep geological formations, such as depleted oil or gas fields, saline aquifers, or unmineable coal seams.
CCS technology offers a potential means of reducing CO2 emissions and preventing the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. It can be deployed in a range of sectors, including power generation, cement manufacturing, steel production, and other heavy industries. By capturing and storing CO2, CCS enables these industries to continue operating while significantly reducing their carbon footprint.
However, CCS faces certain challenges, including high costs, technological barriers, and concerns about the safety and permanence of CO2 storage. Nevertheless, it is considered an important technology in the global efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve sustainable development.
