Carbon Capture - UPSC Notes

Understanding Carbon Capture

Carbon Capture is a technique that prevents the release of carbon into the atmosphere from various processes. Instead, this carbon is either repurposed or stored in various underground cavities such as old oil and gas reservoirs, mines, or permeable rocks known as saline aquifers.

The captured Carbon Dioxide can be utilized in several ways:

1. Power Generation: The use of CO2-based steam cycles can increase heat transfer and reduce the energy required for steam compression. This makes power generation turbines more efficient. Moreover, geologically stored CO2 can potentially produce renewable geothermal energy.
2. CO2 can be utilized to fortify concrete, enhancing its durability and strength.
3. Transforming CO2 into fuel is another potential use, although this process is highly challenging and expensive.
4. Carbon Dioxide can also be used in the production of chemicals and plastics, including polyurethanes, which are widely used in the production of soft foams for mattresses.

Recommended reading: Carbon sequestration

The Advantages of Carbon Capture

Let's explore the benefits that carbon capture brings to the table.

1. It can significantly reduce a country's carbon footprint, even when engaging in carbon-intensive activities.
2. Carbon capture can act as a crucial bridge during the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable and other unconventional sources.
3. It can prevent job losses associated with the phase-out of carbon-intensive energy resources and agricultural practices.
4. The technology can also generate alternative employment opportunities related to the capture and utilization of CO2.
5. If fully developed, the technology can help us selectively sequester CO2 and other greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

In conclusion, carbon capture technology is a significant player in mitigating the impacts of Greenhouse Gas emissions and will aid us in achieving our Paris Agreement Goals .

The Current State of Carbon Capture

According to a report from the Global CCS Institute, as of September 2022, there were only 30 carbon capture facilities worldwide. These facilities are primarily associated with industrial plants involved in activities like natural gas processing or fertilizer production.

Presently, the only operational carbon capture power station in the world is situated at Boundary Dam in western Canada, a coal-fired plant. However, several carbon capture gas power stations, similar to those proposed in the UK, are under development, primarily in the US.