What is carbon capture and sequestration (CCS), and why is it done? What are the pros and cons of the process?

Carbon capture and sequestration, commonly abbreviated as CCS, is a process that involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes and power plants, typically those that burn fossil fuels. Once captured, the CO2 is transported and stored underground in geological formations, such as deep saline formations, oil and gas reservoirs, or unmineable coal seams, where it can be safely stored away from the atmosphere.

The primary purpose of CCS is to reduce the amount of greenhouse gasses, particularly CO2, released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities, such as burning fossil fuels. By capturing and storing CO2 emissions, CCS aims to mitigate the negative impacts of climate change and global warming. This technology is considered crucial in helping countries around the world achieve their climate goals and reduce their carbon footprint.

There are several advantages to implementing carbon capture and sequestration, including: 1. Reduction of CO2 emissions: CCS can reduce CO2 emissions by as much as 90% from power plants and industrial facilities. 2. Climate change mitigation: By reducing CO2 emissions, CCS helps in slowing down the rate of global warming and mitigating the effects of climate change. 3. Energy security: CCS allows countries to continue using fossil fuels responsibly while transitioning to clean energy sources, thus ensuring a reliable and secure energy supply. 4. Job creation: The development and implementation of CCS technologies can lead to the creation of new jobs, boosting the economy.

However, there are also some disadvantages and challenges associated with CCS, such as: 1. High costs: Developing and implementing CCS technology can be expensive, both in terms of initial investment and operational expenses. 2. Limited storage capacity: There is a finite amount of storage capacity available in geological formations suitable for storing CO2. 3. Leakage risks: In some cases, stored CO2 may leak out of the storage site, potentially leading to negative environmental consequences. 4. Diversion of resources: Funding and resources dedicated to CCS could potentially be better spent on advancing renewable energy technologies or implementing energy efficiency measures. In summary, carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is a technology designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants and industrial facilities by capturing CO2 and storing it underground. While there are significant advantages in using CCS as a means to combat climate change, there are also drawbacks, primarily in terms of implementation costs, storage limitations, and potential risks associated with leakage.