One of the most important aspects of fighting against climate change is drastically reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. While transitioning to renewable energy and improving energy efficiency are critical, emissions reductions require different approaches to truly succeed. One of these approaches is carbon capture technology, which has emerged as a means of reducing emissions, meeting global climate goals, and contributing to a sustainable future.
Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) is a process that captures CO₂ emissions from industrial processes or directly from the air, preventing them from entering the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ is then stored underground or used in industrial applications, such as producing fuels, chemicals, or building materials. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels (the target set by the Paris Agreement) will require reducing emissions and removing billions of tons of CO₂ from the atmosphere. The IPCC estimates that carbon capture and storage (CCS) could contribute up to 55% of the cumulative emissions reductions needed by 2100. Additionally, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has highlighted that achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 will be "virtually impossible" without carbon capture technologies. The IEA’s Net Zero by 2050 roadmap calls for the annual capture and storage of 1.6 billion tons of CO₂ by 2030, scaling up to 7.6 billion tons by 2050.
Carbon capture plays a dual role in reducing emissions. By capturing CO₂ from industrial sources such as power plants, cement factories, and steel mills, carbon capture prevents large amounts of greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere. This is especially important as these carbon-intensive industries are ‘hard-to-abate' meaning they cannot easily switch to renewable energy or electrification. Furthermore, Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies can remove CO₂ directly from the atmosphere, helping to offset emissions from sectors that are difficult to decarbonise, such as aviation and agriculture.
Several companies and organisations are showcasing carbon capture’s potential. Climeworks operates the world’s largest direct air capture and storage plant, called Orca, in Iceland. It uses renewable energy to capture CO₂ from the air and store it permanently underground, where it decomposes into rock. Orca can capture 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to the emissions of about 870 cars. The European Green Deal also includes funding for CCUS technologies as part of its climate strategy. CO2BioClean’s fermentation process uses captured industrial emissions to produce biodegradable and compostable polymers, which in turn can be used in bioplastics and textiles. However, the cost of carbon capture remains an issue. With the advancement of the technology and success of economies of scale, the cost will decline, making carbon capture more accessible and widespread.
Carbon capture is not the sole solution, but it is a critical piece of the puzzle. Alongside other programmes such as renewable energy and energy efficiency, carbon capture can help bridge the gap to a net-zero future. More than just a theoretical concept, it’s a practical solution already making a difference. With continued innovation, investment, and collaboration, carbon capture can play a transformative role in the fight against climate change.
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