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Carbon Capture and Storage: A Key Solution for Net Zero

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Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is an essential technology in the race to net-zero. It is designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources and power plants, preventing them from being released into the atmosphere. Instead, the CO₂ is safely transported and stored in deep geological formations, such as former oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers. As the UK and other nations work towards net-zero emissions, CCS is increasingly being recognised as a crucial tool in reducing greenhouse gas levels.

How Does CCS Work?

The process of CCS involves three key stages. First, CO₂ is captured from industrial sources, such as power stations, steel plants, and cement factories, using one of several methods, including post-combustion, pre-combustion, or oxy-fuel combustion. Once captured, the CO₂ is compressed and transported, usually via pipelines, to a designated storage site. Finally, the CO₂ is injected deep underground into secure geological formations, where it is permanently stored and prevented from re-entering the atmosphere.
Aerial top view of summer green trees representing net-zero and carbon capture

What Happens to Captured CO₂?

While a large portion of captured CO₂ is permanently stored underground, some of it can be repurposed. This is known as Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS). In some cases, CO₂ is used for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), where it is injected into oil fields to extract additional crude oil. However, this method is controversial as it extends fossil fuel production.

There are also innovative ways to utilise CO₂ in industry. Some companies are integrating captured carbon into low-carbon concrete and building materials, while others use it in synthetic fuels, plastics, fertilisers, and even carbonated drinks. Additionally, CO₂ can support biological processes, such as algae cultivation for biofuels and sustainable materials. Despite these emerging applications, long-term storage remains the most critical approach for large-scale carbon reduction, as utilisation alone cannot process the vast quantities of CO₂ required to meet climate targets.

Why is CCS Beneficial?

CCS plays a vital role in global and national strategies to reduce emissions, particularly in industries where alternative decarbonisation methods are limited. Some of its key benefits include:

  • Climate Change Mitigation:

    CCS significantly reduces CO₂ emissions, directly contributing to net-zero goals and slowing global warming.

  • Economic Growth and Job Creation:

    The development of CCS infrastructure is expected to generate thousands of jobs and stimulate economic growth. In the UK, the CCS industry is projected to create up to 50,000 jobs and contribute £94 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2050.

  • Energy Security:

    By enabling cleaner use of fossil fuels, CCS supports a stable energy supply while renewable energy adoption increases.

  • Industrial Decarbonisation:

    Hard to moderate sectors such as cement, steel, and chemicals rely on CCS to reduce their emissions, as alternative solutions are currently impractical or unavailable.

Recent CCS Developments

Governments and private industries in the UK are investing heavily in CCS projects to accelerate decarbonisation efforts. The UK government has pledged £21.7 billion over the next 25 years to support CCS and hydrogen technologies, particularly in high-emission industrial regions. This investment aims to reduce emissions from energy-intensive industries and support the development of large-scale CCS hubs.
 
Additionally, major energy companies and infrastructure firms are forming partnerships to drive CCS implementation. These projects highlight the growing momentum behind CCS as a core element of the UK’s climate strategy, reinforcing its commitment to net zero.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite its advantages, CCS faces several challenges that must be addressed to ensure its widespread adoption:

  • High Costs:

    The technology remains expensive, requiring substantial investments in capture facilities, transportation networks, and storage sites.

  • Energy Intensity:

    The process of capturing and compressing CO₂ is energy-intensive, reducing the overall efficiency of power generation.

  • Public and Regulatory Hurdles:

    There are concerns about the long-term safety of CO₂ storage, as well as regulatory uncertainties that can slow down project approvals and funding.

For CCS to reach its full potential, governments and industries must work together to drive down costs, improve efficiency, and establish clear regulatory frameworks. At the same time, ongoing innovation in capture and storage technologies will help reduce energy consumption and make CCS a more attractive solution for industrial decarbonisation.
 
Public awareness and engagement will also be key. Educating stakeholders on the safety and effectiveness of CCS will help overcome resistance and encourage broader adoption. As global emissions targets become more ambitious, CCS is set to become a foundation for climate action, offering a practical pathway to achieving deep emission reductions while supporting economic and industrial growth.
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