Carbon Capture and Sequestration: An Overview

Abstract: Carbon dioxide capture and sequestration (CCS) is the capture and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is emitted to the atmosphere as a result of combustion process. Presently majority of efforts focus on the removal of carbon dioxide directly from industrial plants and thereby storing it in geological reservoirs. The principle is to achieve a carbon neutral budget if not carbon negative, and thereby mitigate global climate change. Currently, fossil fuels are the predominant source of the global energy generation and the trend will continue for the rest of the century. Fossil fuels supply over 63% of all primary energy; the rest is contributed by nuclear, hydro-electricity and renewable energy. Although research and investments are being targeted to increase the percentage of renewable energy and foster conservation and efficiency improvements of fossil-fuel usage, development of CCS technology is the most important tool likely to play a pivotal role in addressing this crisis. [1] Keywords: Carbon Capture and Storage, Carbon dioxide, fossil fuels, Greenhouse gases