Carbon capture plants are underperforming — why are we so optimistic about them?

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technology: A Critical Evaluation

The use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has been considered as a potential solution for mitigating climate change. It has even been incorporated into the climate targets of certain countries, such as the European Union’s recently announced 2040 goal. However, recent analyses have revealed that many CCS projects are failing or underperforming, casting doubt on its effectiveness as a climate mitigation strategy.

Understanding CCS

CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide from industrial and power plant emissions and storing it in underground geological formations. This process helps prevent CO2 from accumulating in the atmosphere and contributing to global warming. If the captured CO2 is used in other industries instead of being stored underground, it is referred to as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).

Unmet Expectations

An analysis conducted by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) revealed that many CCS projects are either failing or underperforming. Out of the 13 projects scrutinized, three had completely failed, while five were deemed underperforming. This raises questions about the efficacy of CCS in achieving significant CO2 reduction.

Furthermore, past efforts have shown disappointing CO2 capture rates in CCS projects:

Source: Zero Carbon Analytics

Economic and Environmental Challenges

The implementation of CCS requires a significant capital investment. According to projections by the International Energy Agency (IEA), the total capital needed for CCS could range between $655-1,280 billion annually. Additionally, the energy needed to run a CCS setup housed in a power plant decreases the overall electricity output of the plant, leading to the extraction of additional fuel to compensate for the loss in power output. This results in higher costs per unit of electricity and makes the levelized cost of electricity 1.5-2 times higher for a plant with CCS.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The use of CCS aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). However, it is important to critically evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of CCS as a climate mitigation strategy, considering its high cost, low emission reduction potential, and limited success in various projects.

CCS in Hard-to-Abate Sectors

CCS may be justified in hard-to-abate sectors where the full transition to renewable energy is not yet feasible, such as the steel and cement industries. These sectors contribute significantly to global emissions and face challenges in decarbonization. However, the current uptake of CCS in these sectors is minimal, with only one operating CCS plant in the steel sector and none in the cement industry.

Alternative solutions, such as the use of green hydrogen and cleaner energy sources, are being explored by these industries. It is crucial to consider the viability and cost-effectiveness of CCS compared to other decarbonization strategies in these sectors.

Conclusion

While CCS technology has been promoted as a key solution for climate mitigation, its actual efficacy and feasibility are questionable. Many CCS projects have failed or underperformed, and the cost of implementing CCS is high. Additionally, the fossil fuel industry’s interest in investing in CCS purely for climate mitigation is limited. It is important to re-evaluate the role of CCS in climate action and prioritize investments in more affordable, reliable, and effective technologies for decarbonization.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Identified in the Article:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix
   • Indicator: Proportion of total energy consumption from renewable sources
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable
   • Indicator: CO2 emissions per unit of value added in manufacturing industries
3. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters
   • Indicator: Number of countries with national disaster risk reduction strategies
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilize and share knowledge, expertise, technology, and financial resources
   • Indicator: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks

Explanation:

The article discusses the issues surrounding carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology and its potential role in mitigating climate change. Based on the content of the article, the following SDGs, targets, and indicators can be identified:

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – The article mentions the need for renewable energy sources to power CCS facilities in order to achieve carbon neutrality. This aligns with Target 7.2 of increasing the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The indicator for this target is the proportion of total energy consumption from renewable sources.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – The article discusses the need to upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. This aligns with Target 9.4 of upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries. The indicator for this target is CO2 emissions per unit of value added in manufacturing industries.
3. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article highlights the role of CCS in climate mitigation and the need to strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. This aligns with Target 13.1 of strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters. The indicator for this target is the number of countries with national disaster risk reduction strategies.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – The article mentions the importance of partnerships and collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals. This aligns with Target 17.16 of enhancing the global partnership for sustainable development. The indicator for this target is the number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder development effectiveness monitoring frameworks.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: downtoearth.org.in

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