Carbon Capture : Tech Types, Processes and Real-World Projects
As the world races to cut down greenhouse gas emissions, carbon capture has emerged as a game-changing solution in our fight against climate change. But what exactly is carbon capture, how does it work, and where is it being used today?
Let’s dive into Carbon Capture, covering its technologies, processes, and the real-world projects that are already making a difference.
What is Carbon Capture?
Carbon Capture refers to a suite of technologies that trap carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, primarily from industrial and power generation sources, before they enter the atmosphere.
Captured CO₂ can be:
- Stored underground (Carbon Capture and Storage – CCS),
- Reused in industrial processes (Carbon Capture and Utilization – CCU)
- Converted into fuels or building materials (Carbon-to-X technologies).
Tech Types: Major Carbon Capture Technologies
- Post-Combustion Capture
- Captures CO₂ after fossil fuels are burned.
- Uses solvents (like amines) to absorb CO₂ from flue gases.
- Suitable for retrofitting existing power plants.
- Pre-Combustion Capture
- Converts fuel into a mix of hydrogen and CO₂ before combustion.
- CO₂ is then separated and stored.
- Used in hydrogen production and IGCC (Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle) plants.
- Oxy-Fuel Combustion
- Burns fuel in pure oxygen instead of air.
- Produces a flue gas that’s mostly CO₂ and water vapor, simplifying separation.
- Direct Air Capture (DAC)
- Extracts CO₂ directly from the atmosphere using sorbents or membranes.
- Ideal for offsetting emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors.
- Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)
- Combines biomass energy with carbon capture to achieve net-negative emissions.
Carbon Capture Process in 3 Simple Steps
1.Capture
- CO₂ is separated from gas streams using chemical, physical or membrane-based methods.
2.Transport
- Captured CO₂ is compressed and moved via pipelines, ships, or trucks to storage or utilization sites.
3.Storage or Utilization
- Stored in deep geological formations (like depleted oil/gas reservoirs), or
- Used in making carbonated drinks, plastics, fuels, or building materials.
Real-World Carbon Capture Projects
- Boundary Dam Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project, Canada
Located in Saskatchewan and operated by SaskPower, this was the world’s first commercial-scale coal-fired power plant to integrate CCS technology. The project captures approximately 1 million tonnes of CO₂ annually from Unit 3 of the Boundary Dam Power Station. The captured CO₂ is transported via pipeline and used for enhanced oil recovery in nearby fields. This project has demonstrated the feasibility of retrofitting existing fossil fuel plants with CCS to significantly cut emissions.
- Illinois Industrial Carbon Capture and Storage (ICCS) Project – United States
This project, led by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) in Decatur, Illinois, captures CO₂ from the fermentation process at an ethanol production facility. The captured CO₂—about 1 million tonnes per year, is compressed and injected into a deep saline sandstone formation over 2,000 meters below the surface. The Illinois ICCS project is notable for being one of the first large-scale CCS projects in the bio-fuels sector and for demonstrating the safe storage of CO₂ in saline aquifers.
Challenges Ahead
- High costs and energy requirements
- Need for supportive policies and infrastructure
- Long-term monitoring and verification of storage sites
The Future of Carbon Capture
The future of carbon capture is increasingly optimistic as the world seeks practical solutions to meet climate goals. Emerging technologies like direct air capture and bioenergy with CCS (BECCS) are being developed and deployed, offering new pathways for removing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Government policies, international collaborations, and carbon pricing mechanisms are also fostering a supportive environment for CCS expansion. As industries and nations aim for net-zero emissions, carbon capture is expected to play a vital role, especially in sectors where emission reductions are otherwise challenging. Continued innovation, along with investment in shared infrastructure such as CO₂ transport and storage hubs, will be key to making CCS scalable, affordable, and effective in the long term.