Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as a Pillar for Balancing Energy Transition and Climate Goals

Abstract

The global pursuit of climate change mitigation and energy transition presents a formidable challenge, demanding innovative solutions to significantly reduce carbon emissions while ensuring the continued stability of global energy systems. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) stands out as a pivotal technology capable of bridging the gap between fossil fuel reliance and the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources. This paper explores the role of CCS in achieving energy transition and climate goals, focusing on its technical mechanisms, applications, and potential to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. By capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes, fossil fuel power plants, and even directly from the atmosphere, CCS can prevent large amounts of CO2 from entering the atmosphere, thereby supporting the global effort to limit temperature rise as outlined in the Paris Agreement. The paper provides a detailed review of the three core stages of CCS: capture, transportation, and storage, explaining the technological innovations behind each stage. Various CCS methods, including pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion, are discussed, illustrating the flexibility of CCS technologies across diverse industrial applications, from power generation to heavy industries such as cement, steel, and chemicals. Furthermore, the integration of CCS with renewable energy systems is analyzed, demonstrating how CCS can complement intermittent renewable sources, contributing to grid stability and enhancing energy security. Despite its potential, several barriers hinder the large-scale deployment of CCS, including technological challenges, high costs, and societal concerns about CO2 storage safety. The paper also emphasizes the importance of supportive policies, including carbon pricing, incentives for early-stage projects, and international collaboration, to facilitate the wide-scale adoption of CCS. Global case studies, including successful projects in Canada and Norway, provide valuable insights into best practices for overcoming these barriers and scaling up CCS infrastructure. Finally, the paper explores the future directions for CCS research and policy, emphasizing the importance of ongoing innovation and international investment in advancing CCS technologies. As nations strive to meet their net-zero emissions targets, CCS will likely play a critical role in enabling industries to decarbonize without compromising economic stability or energy access.