Carbon capture and storage update

TLDR

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is proposed to enable continued use of fossil‑fuelled power stations while preventing CO₂ emissions, and retaining gas, coal, and biomass plants is important because they can respond quickly to demand changes. The paper reviews leading CO₂ capture technologies, their maturity, and discusses CO₂ transport and storage. The review covers current pilot plants, the need to optimize the entire CCS system, the viability of direct air capture and CO₂ reutilization, and the economic and legal aspects of CCS.

Abstract

In recent years, Carbon Capture and Storage (Sequestration) (CCS) has been proposed as a potential method to allow the continued use of fossil-fuelled power stations whilst preventing emissions of CO2 from reaching the atmosphere. Gas, coal (and biomass)-fired power stations can respond to changes in demand more readily than many other sources of electricity production, hence the importance of retaining them as an option in the energy mix. Here, we review the leading CO2 capture technologies, available in the short and long term, and their technological maturity, before discussing CO2 transport and storage. Current pilot plants and demonstrations are highlighted, as is the importance of optimising the CCS system as a whole. Other topics briefly discussed include the viability of both the capture of CO2 from the air and CO2 reutilisation as climate change mitigation strategies. Finally, we discuss the economic and legal aspects of CCS.