Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Can We Save the Climate?<br />By: Asst. Lecturer Shahad Ammar Hatam<br /><br />Relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):<br />SDG 13: Climate Action<br />SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure<br />Introduction<br />The rapid increase in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), has accelerated global warming and climate change. As the world seeks urgent solutions to limit temperature rise, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) has emerged as one of the promising technologies to mitigate emissions, especially from fossil-fuel-based industries.<br />What Is CCS?<br />Carbon Capture and Storage involves three main steps:<br />1. Capture of CO₂ from emission sources such as power plants, cement factories, or refineries.<br />2. Transportation of the captured CO₂, often via pipelines or ships.<br />3. Storage of CO₂ deep underground in geological formations like depleted oil/gas fields or saline aquifers.<br />This process prevents the captured CO₂ from entering the atmosphere, thereby reducing its harmful impact.<br />Types of Capture Technologies<br />There are several methods to capture carbon:<br />Post-combustion: Capturing CO₂ from flue gases after fuel combustion.<br />Pre-combustion: Removing CO₂ before fuel is burned, by gasifying the fuel.<br />Oxy-fuel combustion: Burning fuel in pure oxygen to produce a CO₂-rich exhaust stream.<br />Each method varies in cost, energy demand, and application field.<br />Storage Techniques<br />After capture, CO₂ must be stored securely. Storage options include:<br />Deep saline aquifers: Porous rocks saturated with salty water.<br />Depleted oil and gas fields: Where infrastructure may already exist. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Injecting CO₂ into oil fields to boost production, which also traps the gas.<br />Monitoring and long-term sealing are essential to ensure CO₂ does not leak.<br />Benefits of CCS<br /> Emission Reduction: CCS can reduce up to 90% of CO₂ emissions from a facility.<br /> Support for Transition: It allows industries to decarbonize while renewable technologies mature.<br /> Economic Potential: Generates opportunities in CO₂ transport, monitoring, and storage sectors.<br />Challenges<br />Despite its potential, CCS faces multiple barriers:<br /> High Costs: Capturing and storing CO₂ is energy-intensive and expensive.<br /> Infrastructure Needs: Pipelines, storage sites, and monitoring systems require large investments.<br /> Public Acceptance: Concerns about underground leaks and environmental impacts hinder public trust.<br /> Policy Gaps: Many regions lack legal frameworks to support CCS deployment.<br />CCS and Sustainable Development<br />CCS supports SDG 13 by directly reducing emissions and enhancing climate resilience. It also encourages innovation and industrial modernization in line with SDG 9. However, to maximize its benefits, CCS should be integrated into broader climate policies, such as carbon pricing and renewable energy promotion.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Carbon Capture and Storage is not a magic bullet, but it is a vital tool in the global effort to limit global warming. For high-emission sectors like cement and steel, CCS offers a practical path to deep decarbonization. With proper investment, regulation, and innovation, CCS can help us transition to a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.<br /><br />"Al-Mustaqbal University – The No. 1 Private University in Iraq"<br />