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[Sustainable Technology][November Thematic Report]A Non-Technical Overview Of How Carbon Capturing Technology Works.

by Emmanuel Joster Ssenjovu | 08-01-2024 15:56


A Non-Technical Overview Of How Carbon Capturing Technology Works.

November Thematic Report 2
By
Emmanuel Joster Ssenjovu


Introduction:

In the battle against climate change, carbon capturing technologies have emerged as an important tool in mitigating the impact of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE). A Green House Gas is one that traps heat in the earth¡¯s atmosphere. The commonest GHG is carbon-dioxide (National Grid Group, 2023). It is important to note that GHGs are released during the combustion of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas (Environmental Protection Authority, 2014).



According to the IEAGHG, the term ¡°Carbon Capture¡± has been used since the ¡®20s for other applications but the basic idea of capturing CO2 and preventing it from being released into the atmosphere was first suggested in 1977. Carbon Capturing Technologies consume bad gasses, which could have negative consequences to the atmosphere. Whereas all this ¡°carbon capturing¡± stuff may sound a little technical to you, its concept is quite essential for everyone to understand. In this thematic report, I will provide a simplified explanation of carbon capture, its technologies, and their significance in the fight against the earth¡¯s warming.

Understanding Carbon Capture:

Carbon capture is a method designed to trap carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from industrial processes and power generation before they are released into the atmosphere. This approach prevents excessive CO2 concentrations, which contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming. By capturing CO2, we reduce the overall carbon footprint, which is a pivotal step in achieving climate goals.


How Carbon Capture Works:


  1. Capture:

    • The first step involves capturing CO2 emissions at their source, such as power plants or industrial facilities. Various capture technologies are employed for this purpose.

  2. Transport:

    • Once captured, the CO2 is transported to a storage site. This transportation can occur via pipelines, ships, or other means, depending on the location and scale of a project.

  3. Storage:

    • The final stage is the storage of captured CO2 in geological formations, depleted oil and gas fields, or other secure underground sites. This prevents the released CO2 from re-entering the atmosphere.

Carbon Capturing Technologies:

  1. Post-Combustion Capture:

    • This technology captures CO2 after the combustion of fossil fuels. It involves separating CO2 from other gases emitted during combustion, typically using solvents or other chemical processes.

  2. Pre-Combustion Capture:

    • Pre-combustion capture takes place before the actual combustion of fossil fuels. It involves converting fossil fuels into a mixture of hydrogen and CO2, separating the CO2, and then burning the hydrogen for energy.

  3. Oxy-Fuel Combustion:

    • Oxy-fuel combustion involves burning fossil fuels in pure oxygen rather than air, resulting in a flue gas primarily composed of CO2 and water vapor. The CO2 can then be separated from the water vapor.

Significance of Carbon Capture:

  1. Emission Reduction:

    • Carbon capture enables the reduction of CO2 emissions from existing industrial processes and power plants, a critical measure in achieving climate targets.

  2. Transition Period:

    • While transitioning to renewable energy sources, carbon capture acts as a bridge technology, allowing for the continued use of fossil fuels with reduced environmental impact.

  3. Industrial Applications:

    • Carbon capture is not limited to power generation; it can also be applied to various industrial processes, such as cement and steel production, addressing emissions from a wide range of sectors.

  4. Climate Resilience:

    • Implementing carbon capture technologies enhances climate resilience by actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere, contributing to the restoration of a balanced and sustainable environment.

Carbon capture and carbon capturing technologies are important in the fight against climate change. By understanding the fundamentals of how these technologies work, people including climate change advocates, students, engineers can better appreciate their significance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As we strive for a world with lower carbon footprints, carbon capture stands as a promising solution to address the immediate challenges posed by climate change.