1. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): This involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources, such as power plants, and storing them deep underground in geological formations. The captured CO2 can be injected into depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep saline aquifers, or basalt formations.
2. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU): This process involves capturing CO2 and using it as a resource for various industrial applications, such as manufacturing cement, plastics, and fertilizers. CCU can also involve converting CO2 into biofuels or renewable energy.
3. Bioenergy Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS): BECCS involves capturing CO2 emissions from bioenergy production, such as biomass power plants. The CO2 is then stored underground, similar to CCS. BECCS is considered a negative emission technology because it removes CO2 from the atmosphere while generating energy.
4. Direct Air Capture (DAC): DAC refers to the process of capturing CO2 directly from the ambient air. This is done using various technologies, such as liquid solvents, solid sorbents, or membrane-based systems. Captured CO2 from DAC can be stored underground, utilized industrially, or used for BECCS.
The feasibility and effectiveness of carbon capture technologies vary based on factors such as cost, energy requirements, environmental impacts, and scalability. Ongoing research and development aim to improve the efficiency and reduce costs associated with carbon capture, as it is considered a crucial technology in mitigating climate change and achieving net-zero emissions goals.
