CO2tallennukseen

CO2tallennus, often referred to as carbon capture and storage (CCS), is a set of technologies designed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial facilities. The process involves capturing CO2 as it is produced, transporting it to a suitable site, and storing it underground in geological formations. This prevents the CO2 from entering the atmosphere, thereby mitigating its contribution to climate change.

There are several methods for capturing CO2. Post-combustion capture involves separating CO2 from flue gases after fuel has been burned. Pre-combustion capture removes CO2 from fuel before combustion. Oxy-fuel combustion burns fuel in pure oxygen, resulting in a concentrated stream of CO2 that is easier to capture.

Once captured, the CO2 is compressed into a liquid or supercritical fluid and transported, typically via pipelines, to a storage location. Suitable geological formations include depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams. The CO2 is injected deep underground, where it is trapped by impermeable rock layers.

CO2tallennus is considered a key technology for achieving ambitious climate goals, particularly in sectors where emissions are difficult to eliminate entirely. However, challenges remain, including the high cost of implementation, energy requirements for the capture process, and concerns about long-term storage security and potential leakage. Ongoing research and development aim to improve efficiency and reduce costs, making CO2tallennus a more viable and widespread solution.