What is carbon capture, usage and storage – and can it trap emissions?

(The Guardian, 24 Sep 2020) Experts look to technologies that inject factories’ carbon dioxide deep underground

Technology that can keep carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere and stoking global heating will be essential to tackle the growing climate crisis, experts say. But how does it work, and why will it make a difference in fighting climate breakdown?

What is carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS)?

This refers to a chain of different technologies that can keep the carbon dioxide produced by major factories and power plants from reaching the atmosphere and contributing to global heating. The first step is to fit factory chimneys with solvent filters, which trap carbon emissions before they escape. The gas can then be piped to locations where it can be used or stored. Most carbon dioxide will be injected deep underground – where fossil fuel gas comes from in the first place – to be stored where it cannot contribute to the climate crisis. But some could be used to help make plastics, grow greenhouse plants, or even carbonate fizzy drinks.

External link

The Guardian, 24 Sep 2020: What is carbon capture, usage and storage – and can it trap emissions?