Carbon Capture and Storage has been declared a ‘necessity, not an option’ by UK climate change experts if we are to achieve net zero by 2050.
The government is also working to utilise CCS/CCUS facilities in the UK to capture and store 20-30 million metric tons of CO2, including removals, annually by 2030.
In this blog, we provide an overview of CCS, its significance in the construction sector and the challenges we need to overcome in order to ensure the successful application of carbon capture approaches.
Carbon Capture and Storage Explained
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a process and technology designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from various sources, prevent them from being released into the atmosphere, and then store or sequester the captured CO2 in geological formations deep underground.
It involves several key steps:
Capture: CO2 emissions are captured from industrial processes, power plants, or other sources before they are released into the atmosphere. There are different capture methods, including post-combustion capture (capturing CO2 from flue gases), pre-combustion capture (capturing CO2 before combustion), and oxy-fuel combustion (burning fuel in oxygen to produce a concentrated stream of CO2).
Transportation: The captured CO2 is then transported from the capture site to a storage site, usually via pipelines or tanker trucks. Transportation can also involve compression to reduce the volume of CO2 for efficient transport.
Storage: The stored CO2 is injected deep underground into geological formations, typically in depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, or other suitable rock formations. These formations are chosen for their ability to safely and securely contain the CO2 over long periods.
Monitoring: Monitoring and verification processes are essential to ensure the integrity of the storage site and track the behaviour of the stored CO2. This includes using various techniques like seismic monitoring, wellbore integrity checks, and groundwater monitoring.
CCS/CCUS is needed to:
Mitigate climate change by reducing CO2 emissions.
Allow continued use of fossil fuels with lower emissions.
Capture and reduce emissions from industrial processes.
Enhance energy security in regions reliant on fossil fuels.
Remove CO2 from the atmosphere, aiding in carbon removal.
Drive technological innovation and economic growth during the transition to cleaner energy sources.
There are several key concerns surrounding CCS/CCUS (Carbon Capture and Storage/Utilisation) technologies:
High costs
CCS/CCUS facilities are capital-intensive to develop and operate. The cost of capturing, transporting, and storing CO2 can be substantial, and this can deter potential adopters. Retrofitting existing facilities with CCS can be particularly expensive due to unique design requirements
Storage limitations
While there are abundant underground reservoirs suitable for CO2 storage, not all are ideal. Concerns about potential leaks, geological instability, and site selection complexities make the choice of storage site crucial and contentious.
Economic incentives
The financial incentives for industrial operators to implement CCS/CCUS are currently limited. In the absence of a stable carbon price or global carbon tax, there may be little economic motivation for individual operators to adopt the technology. Collaboration and shared infrastructure can make CCS more cost-effective.
Other concerns include public opposition, environmental risks, liability issues, energy consumption, supply chain complexity, and the need for consistent political and regulatory support. Addressing these challenges is vital to harnessing the full potential of CCS/CCUS in mitigating climate change.
Why is CCS/CCUS so significant in the construction world?
CCS/CCUS technology plays a pivotal role in the construction sector by significantly reducing carbon emissions. It allows construction companies to adopt more sustainable practices, adhere to stringent emissions regulations, and create environmentally friendly building materials and methods. Embracing CCS/CCUS not only enhances market competitiveness by meeting the demands of eco-conscious clients but also fosters innovation within the industry. Furthermore, it promotes job creation, resource efficiency, and long-term viability, aligning construction practices with evolving environmental standards and ensuring a greener future for the sector.
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