Decarbonisera

Decarbonisera is a term used in policy discussions and industry to denote facilities, projects, or devices aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions or removing CO2 from the atmosphere. It is not a standardized term in international energy nomenclature, and its exact meaning can vary by language and context. In some usages, it refers to decarbonization installations that treat industrial exhaust streams or operate as part of broader climate strategies.

Technologies and approaches associated with decarbonisera concepts include carbon capture and storage (CCS), where CO2 is captured from emissions sources and stored underground or utilized, as well as carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Direct air capture (DAC) and oxy-fuel combustion are also cited in discussions of decarbonization facilities. Additional strategies include electrification of processes, switching to low-carbon fuels, energy efficiency improvements, and the deployment of green hydrogen. Some discussions also encompass biomass-based pathways with carbon capture (BECCS) as a means of achieving negative emissions.

Applications span energy-intensive sectors such as power generation, cement and steel production, petrochemicals, and refining, as well as integrated energy hubs and retrofit projects for existing plants or new builds. A decarbonisera project may be pursued as a demonstration facility, a pilot plant, or a full-scale installation, depending on technology readiness and regulatory context.

Challenges include high capital costs, energy penalties associated with carbon capture, the need for CO2 transport and storage infrastructure, and complex regulatory, liability, and public acceptance issues. Economic viability often depends on policy support, carbon pricing, and access to financing, as well as advances in storage capacity and technological efficiency.