CO2 Capture and Storage: A Key Carbon Abatement Option
Oil, coal and natural gas will remain the world’s dominant sources of energy over
the next decades, with resulting carbon dioxide emissions set to increase to unsustainable
levels. However, technologies that help reduce CO2 emissions from fossil fuels can
reverse this trend. CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is particularly promising. CCS takes
CO2 from large stationary sources and stores it in deep geological layers to prevent
its release into the atmosphere.
Responding to a G8 Gleneagles request, this study documents progress toward the development
of CCS, covering capture, transportation and storage technologies and their costs; storage
capacity estimates, regional assessment of CCS potential; legal and regulatory frameworks; public
awareness and outreach strategies; and financial mechanisms and international mechanisms.
It also discusses the role of CCS in ambitious new energy scenarios that aim for substantial
emissions reduction. This publication elaborates the potential of CCS in coal-fuelled
electricity generation and estimates for capture in the industry and fuel transformation
sectors. Finally, it assesses the infrastructure needed to process and transport large
volumes of CO2.
Published on October 20, 2008