Introduction

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO₂) from industrial or energy-related sources, stores it underground, or utilizes it in products. It is crucial for reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors and achieving net-zero targets.

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What is CCUS

• Capture: CO₂ is separated from industrial flue gases or directly from the atmosphere. 
• Utilization: Captured CO₂ is used to produce chemicals, fuels, or building materials. 
• Storage: CO₂ is injected into deep geological formations, such as depleted oil/gas reservoirs or saline aquifers.

Potential Role in Tackling Climate Change

• Reducing Industrial Emissions: CCUS captures CO₂ from hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, and chemicals where emissions are unavoidable.
  • Eg: Norway’s Longship Project captures CO₂ from cement production for storage under the North Sea.
• Decarbonising Power Generation: It enables continued use of coal and natural gas plants while cutting emissions, supporting energy security during transition.
  • Eg: Canada’s Boundary Dam Project captures CO₂ from a coal power plant.
• Producing Low-Carbon Fuels: Captured CO₂ can be converted into synthetic fuels, hydrogen, or bioenergy with carbon capture (BECCS), creating carbon-neutral energy sources.
• Supporting Negative Emissions: When combined with bioenergy (BECCS) or direct air capture, CCUS can remove CO₂ directly from the atmosphere.
• Enhancing Oil Recovery and Resource Efficiency: Stored CO₂ can be injected into oil wells to boost extraction (Enhanced Oil Recovery -EOR) while sequestering carbon, offering a transitional economic incentive.
• Building a Circular Carbon Economy: Captured CO₂ can be reused in making plastics, building materials, and chemicals, reducing reliance on virgin fossil feedstocks.
  • Eg: CarbonCure (Canada) uses CO₂ in concrete production, lowering its carbon footprint.
• Contributing to Net-Zero Targets: CCUS acts as a bridging technology, ensuring countries can meet Paris Agreement commitments while scaling up renewable and clean tech.
  • Eg: IEA projects CCUS could cut global CO₂ emissions by nearly 15% by 2070 under sustainable scenarios.

Conclusion

CCUS can significantly reduce global CO₂ emissions, complementing renewable energy adoption. Its large-scale deployment is essential for meeting Paris Agreement targets and achieving a net-zero future.

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