Explore the increasing adoption of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology in various sectors and industries. Learn about the different applications and emerging innovative solutions for CCS. Discover the challenges of transportation and storage of captured carbon dioxide and the need for advanced monitoring technologies. Examine the role of CCS in achieving net zero emissions and the importance of policy interventions for its global implementation.
CCS is experiencing significant growth in investment as key industries utilize the technology to reduce emissions in hard-to-abate sectors.
Transportation and storage infrastructure pose challenges for the scalability of CCS, limiting its potential impact on carbon reduction.
Deep dives
Carbon capture and storage experiencing rapid growth
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) has seen significant growth as investment in the technology has more than doubled year on year. The total capacity of CCS projects under development has increased by 44%, reaching 244 million tons per annum. Key industries such as oil, gas, cement, and hydrogen are driving this growth, utilizing CCS to reduce emissions. CCS is becoming a preferred carbon abatement strategy, especially in hard-to-abate sectors. However, there are challenges in terms of infrastructure, transportation, and storage, which could limit scalability.
Transportation and storage bottlenecks for CCS
Transportation and storage infrastructure for captured carbon dioxide (CO2) can present significant challenges for the scalability of CCS. Currently, announced capacity for transport and storage is only projected to support about half of the captured carbon by 2035. This has become a major bottleneck as CCS capacity grows rapidly. Permitting delays, difficulties in pipeline construction, and the high capital costs associated with transport and storage are hindrances that need to be addressed.
The role of policy in driving CCS adoption
Government policies play a crucial role in driving the adoption of CCS technology. In the United States, the inflation reduction act has provided significant incentives, such as 45Q credits, which make CCS economically viable. The UK has dedicated 20 billion pounds to support CCS projects for industrial decarbonization, while Canada offers substantial support of up to 50% of the capital expenditure. These policy measures act as carrots, creating favorable conditions for CCS implementation.
CCS as a crucial technology for a net-zero future
CCS is expected to play a significant role in achieving a net-zero future. In the next decade, CCS capacity is projected to reach 420 million tons, but in a net-zero scenario, up to 1.75 billion tons of CO2 capture would be needed by 2030. By 2050, CCS could contribute to emissions abatement in power (10%), steel (21%), and cement (75%). Industries like petrochemicals and cement, which will continue to rely on fossil fuels, will require CCS to reduce emissions in a net-zero world.
Investment in carbon capture and storage is skyrocketing. Last year, the technology attracted some $6.4 billion globally, more than double the year before. But why are industries now looking to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to cut down on their carbon emissions, rather than other, better-established methods?
On today’s show, Dana sits down with Allen Tom Abraham and Anastasia Tomasidou from BNEF’s Sustainable Materials team. Together, they take a look at the various sectors that are utilizing CCS technology, methods of carbon capture and storage and potential bottlenecks in the existing system, and the role that policy plays in the expansion of CCS across the globe.
Today’s episode draws from the BNEF research note CCUS Market Outlook 2023.
Complimentary BNEF research on the trends driving the transition to a lower-carbon economy can be found at BNEF<GO> on the Bloomberg Terminal, on bnef.com or on the BNEF mobile app.