Episode
51

Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) 101 – with Richard Adamson

June 22, 2022
|
Duration:
1850906
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In This Episode:

Join energy coaches David Arkell and John Pooley, producer Lysandra Naom, and CEO of Industrial Climate Solutions (a Baker Hughes company), Richard Adamson, on an episode about Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS). This episode features what the technology is, why we need it, the challenges, and more. Check out our 360 Carbon Excellence Program.

Highlights

  • Introduction to CCUS: CCUS technology involves capturing CO₂ emissions from industrial sources or the atmosphere, then either utilizing or storing the carbon. This process mitigates emissions from sectors that cannot easily transition to low-carbon alternatives.
  • Economic Viability and Usage: While some carbon utilization, such as nanofiber production, is profitable, most applications are limited by scale and market constraints. Large-scale deployment is essential for meaningful emissions reduction.
  • Challenges of Industrial Adoption: High CO₂ concentration sources, such as cement or steel plants, are well-suited for CCUS. However, capturing from low-concentration sources, like the atmosphere, is costlier and more technically challenging.
  • Importance of Location: Proximity to carbon storage facilities or infrastructure, such as pipelines, significantly impacts CCUS project feasibility, making location a key factor in economic viability.
  • Urgency of Action: Adamson stresses the need to accelerate CCUS implementation, warning that delayed action on emissions reduction will result in higher cumulative CO₂ levels and exacerbate long-term climate impacts.

Key Insights

  • Balancing Utilization and Storage: While carbon utilization can be profitable in niche applications, large-scale storage, particularly in geological formations, is essential for achieving significant emissions reductions.
  • Economic Incentives for Adoption: Financial mechanisms such as carbon taxes or credits are critical to promoting CCUS adoption, particularly in industries facing regulatory and consumer pressure to decarbonize.
  • Challenges in Policy Consistency: Adamson highlights the importance of stable and supportive policy frameworks for CCUS. Frequent regulatory changes discourage investment and delay project implementation.
  • Importance of Early Action: Deploying CCUS technology early offers practical learning experiences, helping to lower costs and improve efficiency over time, ultimately making the technology more viable.
  • Global and Regional Collaboration: Establishing collaborative networks globally and regionally is vital for CCUS success. Shared infrastructure, knowledge, and supportive policies enhance deployment opportunities and scalability.
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