The Challenge of Carbon Capture and Storage

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a complex system of capturing, transporting, and storing carbon dioxide emissions. The technology has been around since the 1970s, but its implementation has faced numerous challenges. One of the main obstacles is the diverse nature of each facility, requiring bespoke solutions for different types of projects. Despite decades of effort and billions of dollars invested, CCS has only captured less than 1% of global emissions. The industry acknowledges the need for scale, with forecasts estimating that 300 facilities the size of Chevron's Gorgon CCS plant will be necessary by 2030 to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. However, the industry faces technical difficulties, high costs, and skepticism concerning its viability as a long-term solution.