About our Carbon Capture news
Latest news on carbon capture, a process that aims to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere by separating it from the emissions of fossil fuel combustion or industrial processes. The captured CO2 can then be either reused for various purposes or stored underground in geological formations. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is seen as one of the technologies that can help combat climate change and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Carbon capture is not without challenges and criticisms. Some of the main controversies around carbon capture are:
- Cost: Carbon capture is still an expensive technology that requires significant investment and subsidies to be deployed at scale. The cost of capturing and storing CO2 varies depending on the source, method, and location, but it is estimated to range from $40 to $100 per tonne of CO2. The cost of carbon capture could be reduced by technological innovation, economies of scale, and carbon pricing policies that make emitting CO2 more expensive.
- Efficiency: Carbon capture reduces the efficiency of power plants or industrial processes by consuming energy and resources. The energy penalty of carbon capture can range from 10% to 40%, depending on the type of plant and capture technology. This means that more fuel is needed to produce the same amount of electricity or output, which increases the cost and emissions of carbon capture.
- Reliability: Carbon capture is not a proven technology at large scale and there are uncertainties about its performance and safety. There are only a few large-scale CCS projects operating in the world, with a total capacity of about 40 million tonnes of CO2 per year. Some CCS projects have faced technical difficulties, delays, or cancellations due to technical, economic, or political reasons. There are also concerns about the long-term storage of CO2 underground and the potential risks of leakage or seepage that could harm the environment or human health.
- Ethics: Carbon capture is seen by some as a way to prolong the use of fossil fuels and delay the transition to renewable energy sources. Some environmental groups argue that carbon capture is a distraction from reducing energy demand and increasing energy efficiency. They also claim that carbon capture could divert funds and attention from more sustainable solutions such as wind, solar, or nuclear power. Some critics also question the morality of using captured CO2 for EOR or carbon utilization, which could create new sources of emissions or consumption.
The UK government has set a target to capture 10 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.