Carbon’s new role: From culprit to currency.

 Bridging the Carbon Chasm

As temperatures reach record-breaking levels, a stark warning signals the alarming increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. With the current annual emission rate of 37.5 GtCO₂ (3.6 GtCO₂ from the industrial sector alone), our remaining carbon budget of 400 GtCO₂ stands on the precipice of depletion within the next ten years. The urgency is clear: if we continue along this trajectory, we will soon breach the 1.5°C limit, a point of no return in the fight against irreversible climate change. In response to this critical challenge, Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) emerges as the linchpin in achieving Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and India’s Net Zero commitments. CCUS embodies our collective resolve not only to combat the escalating tide of emissions but also to transform those emissions into opportunities for a sustainable future.

Are we balancing the carbon scales?

• At present, the price of carbon removal hovers at approximately $900-1000 per ton of CO₂. Considering Iceland’s ORCA, now the largest Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) facility, with a goal of capturing around 4,000 tons of CO₂ annually which leads us to a staggering realization: to achieve a 1 GtCO₂ reduction, we would require a network of 50,000 similar CCS plants.
• Planting a trillion new trees would capture only 6% of carbon by the next few decades.
• It’s evident that nature-based solutions can provide just a 20% contribution to the required mitigation for maintaining global temperatures within the 2°C target.

To effectively combat the bulk of residual emissions, we must turn to innovative technological solutions, such as Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS). These advancements offer the most viable means to tackle the pressing challenge of reducing carbon emissions.

Within this article, we embark on a journey through the realm of technology, which facilitates the harnessing of all available resources to curtail CO₂ levels in our atmosphere. Our exploration aims to unveil its potential in guiding humanity towards a sustainable, low-carbon future.

Retrofitting CO2 Capture Technology in Emission-Intensive Industries: A Weapon Against Climate Change

• As the world is developing constantly instant solutions to emission reductions are infeasible.
• The alternative way is to capture the CO₂ from the air process it through direct air capture methods and produce CO₂ free air.
• This groundbreaking technology operates independently of grid electricity, thus minimizing additional CO₂ emissions. Instead, it harnesses the waste heat expelled by industrial chimneys.
• The envisioned system is adaptable for integration into existing industrial setups, offering an effective means to counterbalance carbon dioxide emissions right at the source.

Harnessing every conceivable resource at our disposal.

1.  The heat emitted through the industrial exhaust is not squandered; rather, it is employed in the adsorption process to capture CO₂ from the solvent from DAC unit.
2. The CO₂-free air discharged from the DAC unit can be redirected to HVAC systems that draw in outdoor air. This streamlined process is further enhanced by the absence of CO₂ content in the intake air.

Applications of CCUS Technologies

• Power Generation: The deployment of CCUS technologies in fossil fuel power plants, including coal and natural gas facilities, offers a substantial reduction in their carbon emissions. This enables a gradual shift towards cleaner energy sources, all while ensuring the security of the energy supply remains intact.
• Industrial Processes: Many industrial operations, such as steel and cement production, generate substantial CO2 emissions. CCUS systems provide a means to capture these emissions, fostering greater ecological responsibility within the industrial sector.

In conclusion

In the global battle against climate change, Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies take center stage. As we transition towards a low-carbon future, CCUS becomes a pivotal tool for curbing emissions in business and energy production, forging a path to a sustainable energy ecosystem. With continuous innovation and strategic investments, CCUS possesses the potential to play a significant role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and safeguarding the environment for future generations. These technologies, dedicated to extracting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, mark the next phase in our efforts to shield the Earth from global warming, following nature-based solutions.