What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?

Introduction

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) refers to a set of technologies aimed at capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial processes, power generation, or directly from the atmosphere, and either reusing it in various applications or storing it permanently in geological formations. It is recognized as a critical tool in achieving net-zero emissions and mitigating climate change, as highlighted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Key Dimensions of CCUS at a Glance

Role of CCUS in Tackling Climate Change

1. Reduction of CO₂ Emissions

• Industrial Decarbonization: CCUS can capture emissions from hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, and chemicals, which account for ~20% of global CO₂ emissions.
  • Example: Norway’s Sleipner Project has stored over 20 million tonnes of CO₂ since 1996.
• Power Sector: Enables continued use of fossil fuels with reduced emissions by capturing CO₂ from coal and gas plants.
  • Example: Canada’s Boundary Dam Project captures ~1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.

2. Negative Emissions

• Direct Air Capture (DAC): Removes CO₂ directly from the atmosphere, addressing legacy emissions.
  • Example: Climeworks’ Orca Plant in Iceland uses DAC and stores CO₂ in basalt formations.
• Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): Combines biomass energy with CCUS to achieve net-negative emissions.

3. Support for a Circular Carbon Economy

• Utilization of Captured CO₂: Converts CO₂ into useful products like synthetic fuels, building materials, and chemicals, reducing reliance on virgin resources.
  • Example: CO₂-based concrete by CarbonCure Technologies.

4. Mitigating Climate Risks

• Bridging Technology: Acts as a transitional solution while renewable energy capacity scales up globally.
• Alignment with Global Goals: Supports the achievement of Paris Agreement targets and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13 on climate action.

5. Economic and Employment Opportunities

• Green Jobs: Development of CCUS infrastructure can create jobs in engineering, construction, and R&D.
  • Example: The Global CCS Institute estimates that CCUS could create 100,000+ jobs globally by 2050.

Challenges in CCUS Deployment

• High Costs: Current CCUS technologies are capital-intensive, with costs ranging from $50–$150 per tonne of CO₂ captured.
• Energy Intensity: CCUS processes require significant energy, potentially offsetting some emissions reductions.
• Storage Risks: Long-term storage of CO₂ in geological formations poses risks of leakage.
• Policy and Regulatory Gaps: Lack of clear frameworks and incentives in many countries hinders large-scale adoption.

Way Forward

• Policy Support: Governments must introduce carbon pricing, tax credits (e.g., the US 45Q tax credit), and subsidies to make CCUS economically viable.
• Technological Innovation: Investment in R&D to lower costs and improve efficiency of capture and storage technologies.
• International Collaboration: Sharing best practices and funding mechanisms through platforms like the Mission Innovation Initiative.
• Public Awareness: Educating stakeholders about the safety and necessity of CCUS to build societal acceptance.

Conclusion

CCUS is a vital component of the global climate strategy, complementing renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. By addressing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors and enabling negative emissions, it can help achieve net-zero targets and limit global warming to 1.5°C, as envisioned in the Paris Agreement. However, its success depends on scaling up investments, policy support, and technological advancements.