Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is often called one of the “bridge” technologies in the global fight against climate change. While renewable energy sources are critical for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the reality is that fossil fuels still make up a large share of the world’s energy mix — and will for decades without major policy shifts. CCS aims to limit the climate damage from burning those fuels by capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions at the source and storing them so they don’t enter the atmosphere. But what exactly is CCS, how does it work, and is it a viable climate solution or just a temporary patch?
How Carbon Capture and Storage Works
Step 1: Capturing the Carbon
CCS systems are typically installed at large industrial sites like coal or gas power plants, steel mills, cement factories, and chemical plants — all major CO₂ emitters. The technology separates CO₂ from other gases produced during industrial processes or combustion. This can be done in three main ways:
- Post-combustion capture: CO₂ is removed from the flue gases after the fuel is burned.
- Pre-combustion capture: Fuel is converted into a mixture of hydrogen and CO₂ before combustion, and the CO₂ is separated.
- Oxy-fuel combustion: Fuel is burned in pure oxygen, producing a flue gas that is mostly CO₂ and water vapor, making CO₂ separation easier.
Step 2: Transporting the Carbon
Once captured, the CO₂ is compressed into a dense fluid and transported via pipelines, ships, or trucks to a storage site. In most cases, pipelines are the preferred method because they can move large volumes efficiently over long distances.
Step 3: Storing the Carbon
The final step is injecting the CO₂ deep underground into geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers. At depths of over 800 meters (2,600 feet), the CO₂ remains under pressure and in a dense state, trapped by layers of rock that act as natural seals.
The Benefits of CCS
Significantly Reduces Industrial Emissions
CCS can capture up to 90% of CO₂ emissions from some industrial processes, which is critical for industries that are hard to decarbonize — like steel, cement, and chemicals — where renewable energy alone can’t fully eliminate emissions.
Supports Energy Transition Without Abrupt Disruption
By enabling fossil fuel plants to operate with lower emissions, CCS can act as a transitional tool, giving countries more time to expand renewable energy infrastructure.
Potential for Negative Emissions with Bioenergy CCS (BECCS)
If CCS is combined with bioenergy (burning plant material for energy), it can result in net negative emissions because the plants absorbed CO₂ while growing. This process, known as BECCS, is part of many climate models that limit global warming to 1.5°C.
Helps with Hydrogen Production
CCS can be paired with natural gas reforming to produce “blue hydrogen” — a lower-carbon alternative to traditional hydrogen production that can serve as a clean fuel for transport, heating, and industry.
The Drawbacks and Concerns
High Costs and Energy Use
CCS is expensive to build and operate, often costing $50–$100 per ton of CO₂ captured. It also consumes significant energy, which can reduce the overall efficiency of a power plant or factory.
Storage Risks and Monitoring Challenges
Although geological storage is generally considered safe, there is always a risk of leaks, which would release stored CO₂ back into the atmosphere. Continuous monitoring and strong regulations are essential.
Limited Deployment to Date
Despite decades of research, global CCS capacity is small — capturing only around 45 million tonnes of CO₂ per year, a fraction of the 36+ billion tonnes emitted annually.
Criticism as a Fossil Fuel “Lifeline”
Some environmental advocates worry that CCS allows fossil fuel companies to keep extracting and burning oil, gas, and coal instead of transitioning faster to renewables. They argue that the focus should be on eliminating emissions entirely rather than managing them after the fact.
Where CCS Is Being Used Today
- Boundary Dam Power Station (Canada): One of the world’s first large-scale CCS projects, capturing CO₂ from a coal-fired power plant.
- Sleipner Field (Norway): Operational since 1996, storing CO₂ from natural gas production in a deep saline aquifer.
- Petra Nova Project (Texas, USA): Captured CO₂ from a coal power plant for enhanced oil recovery, though operations have paused.
- Gorgon Gas Project (Australia): One of the largest CCS projects, designed to store up to 4 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
The Role of CCS in Climate Strategy
Not a Silver Bullet
CCS is not a substitute for cutting emissions at the source. It works best as part of a broader decarbonization plan that includes renewables, energy efficiency, and behavior changes.
Necessary for Hard-to-Abate Sectors
For industries like cement production — responsible for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions — CCS is one of the only viable near-term solutions for deep emission cuts.
Requires Policy Support and Investment
Without government incentives, carbon pricing, or subsidies, CCS projects struggle to attract investment. Clear regulations and long-term policy frameworks are key to scaling the technology.
Final Thoughts: Is CCS Worth the Investment?
Carbon Capture and Storage offers a way to cut emissions from sectors that can’t easily switch to renewable power, and it could play a crucial role in achieving net-zero goals. But it’s not without drawbacks — high costs, slow adoption, and concerns about prolonging fossil fuel use mean it must be used wisely. The most effective climate strategy will combine CCS for hard-to-abate emissions with aggressive renewable energy expansion and efficiency improvements. In the end, CCS might not be the climate savior some hope for, but it could be an important piece of the puzzle.
Reader Interactions