hiililuovutusta

Hiililuovutusta, often translated as carbon sequestration or carbon capture and storage (CCS) in English, refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like industrial facilities and power plants, and then storing it in underground geological formations. The goal is to prevent these greenhouse gases from entering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.

There are several methods for capturing CO2. Pre-combustion capture involves processing fuel before burning it to remove CO2. Post-combustion capture is applied after combustion, separating CO2 from other flue gases. Oxy-fuel combustion burns fuel in pure oxygen, resulting in a more concentrated CO2 stream that is easier to capture. Direct air capture (DAC) technologies aim to remove CO2 directly from the ambient air.

Once captured, the CO2 is compressed and transported, typically via pipelines, to a storage site. Suitable geological formations include depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams. The CO2 is injected into these porous rocks, where it is trapped by impermeable caprocks, preventing it from escaping.

Hiililuovutusta is considered a potential tool for mitigating climate change, particularly for industries where emissions are difficult to eliminate entirely. However, the technology faces challenges related to cost, energy requirements, and long-term storage security. Public perception and regulatory frameworks also play significant roles in its deployment. Research and development continue to focus on improving efficiency and reducing the environmental footprint of CCS.