CCUS

CCUS stands for carbon capture, utilization, and storage. It refers to technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions from large point sources such as power plants and industrial facilities, then transport the captured CO2 to sites where it can be utilized in products or stored underground for long-term isolation from the atmosphere.

Capture methods include post-combustion capture with solvent-based systems, pre-combustion capture from gasification or reforming, and oxy-fuel combustion. Additional approaches use solid sorbents, membranes, adsorption, or cryogenic separation. Each method varies in efficiency, cost, and energy requirements.

Transport is typically via pipelines, with ships used for offshore or cross-border projects. Storage involves injecting CO2 into deep geological formations such as saline aquifers or depleted reservoirs. Monitoring and verification are required to ensure long-term containment and to detect potential leaks.

Utilization converts captured CO2 into products or services, including chemicals, fuels, cement additives, and enhanced oil recovery. While utilization can offset some costs, most CCUS schemes rely on storage to achieve net emission reductions.

Applications span power generation and energy-intensive industries such as cement, steel, and chemicals. Deployment depends on technology readiness, costs, policy incentives, and infrastructure development. Critics highlight capital costs and energy penalties, but proponents view CCUS as a vital option for deep decarbonization.

In summary, CCUS encompasses capture, transport, utilization, and storage of CO2 to reduce atmospheric emissions and support climate goals.