Carbon Capture: A Complex Solution to Climate Change

The implementation of modern technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions is a key element in the climate strategies of many governments who are striving for decarbonization by the mid-century mark. Despite the importance of these technologies, there are obstacles which impede progress, such as large expense, untested scalability, and public mistrust whereas decentralized mobile technologies reduce costs and scale rapidly. 

Industrial Smokestack Capture 

The predominant method of carbon capture is from point sources, like industrial smokestacks, and is either used in other industrial projects (CCUS) or stored underground (CCS). According to the Global CCS Institute, there are 42 commercial projects globally which store 49 million metric tons of carbon dioxide annually, which is merely 0.13% of the world’s roughly 37 billion metric tons of annual energy and industry-related carbon dioxide emissions. Most of these projects (30 out of 42) are being used for enhanced oil recovery (EOR), where it is injected into oil wells to extract trapped oil. Though oil-drillers believe this is climate-friendly, environmentalists are critical. The rest of the projects, in countries like the U.S., Norway, China, etc., are focused on permanently storing carbon underground without boosting oil output. 

Direct Air Capture (DAC) 

Another type of carbon capture is direct air capture (DAC), which captures emissions directly from the air. There are 130 DAC facilities being planned globally, with 27 having already been commissioned, capturing only 10,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide a year. The U.S. has granted large sums of money for DAC hubs in Texas and Louisiana, yet decisions are still pending. 

High Costs as a Barrier 

One major hurdle to widespread adoption is the high cost associated with carbon capture technologies. CCS costs range from $15 to $120 per metric ton, while DAC projects range from $600 to $1,000. Developers argue that a higher carbon price is necessary, either through carbon tax, tax break or trading scheme to make it profitable to capture and store carbon.   The US, along with numerous other countries, has initiated public financial aid for carbon capture projects. In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was implemented, awarding a $50 tax credit for each metric ton of carbon that is captured for CCUS, $85 for each metric ton for CCS, and an impressive $180 per metric ton for DAC. Mobile and decentralized CO2e capture technology, such as cryogenics provided by ESCo2, Ltd. CCUS costs range from $11(carbon only) to $7 per metric ton after the removal of other CO2e gases. 

Challenges and Failures 

Several issues, including technical readiness, have hindered success. For instance, the Petra Nova project in Texas experienced mechanical problems, missed targets, and had to be temporarily shut down in 2020. This highlights the need for dependable technology to instill confidence in investors and stakeholders. 

Location Constraints 

Where captured carbon can be stored it is limited by geological boundaries, especially if done on a large scale. The optimal storage sites are in North America, East Africa, and the North Sea, requiring extensive pipelines or fleets to transport carbon to these sites. The cancellation of a $3 billion CCS pipeline project in the U.S. Midwest is an example of the need to address community worries regarding new infrastructure. In conclusion, while carbon capture technologies offer great potential to combat climate change, it is necessary to address issues of cost, technology reliability, and community engagement for them to be effectively implemented on a global scale.