Carbon Sequestration

Carbon sequestration from the air and industries primarily involves advanced technologies designed to capture and store CO₂, either directly from the atmosphere or as emissions from industrial sources. Here’s how each type works:

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) – Sequestration from Industries

  • How it Works: Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology captures CO₂ emissions directly from large industrial sources (e.g., power plants, cement factories, steel mills) before it is released into the atmosphere.

    • Capture Methods: Three main methods are used:

      1. Pre-combustion capture: CO₂ is removed from fuels before combustion, often in processes like coal gasification.

      2. Post-combustion capture: CO₂ is extracted from the flue gases after combustion using chemical solvents.

      3. Oxy-fuel combustion: Fuels are burned in pure oxygen, creating flue gases that are mostly CO₂ and water, making it easier to capture CO₂.

  • Storage and Utilization: The captured CO₂ is compressed, transported, and stored underground similarly to DAC, or repurposed for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) in which it is injected into oil fields to extract additional oil. Alternatively, the CO₂ can be used in manufacturing processes, for example, in the creation of chemicals, biofuels, and synthetic materials.

  • Challenges and Costs: CCS is generally more economical than DAC but still faces challenges, such as requiring a substantial infrastructure to capture, transport, and store CO₂ safely and permanently.

blue and white striped round textile
blue and white striped round textile
blue and white striped round textile
blue and white striped round textile

Direct Air Capture (DAC) – Sequestration from Air

  • How it Works: Direct air capture (DAC) technology uses large fans to pull ambient air into contact with chemical sorbents (like hydroxide or amine solutions) that react with CO₂, capturing it from the atmosphere.

  • Storage Options: Once captured, the CO₂ can be compressed and either:

    • Stored underground in geological formations like saline aquifers (deep rock formations filled with salty water) or depleted oil and gas fields, which trap CO₂ for long-term storage.

    • Utilized in products like carbon-neutral fuels, building materials (e.g., concrete), or carbonated beverages, providing a commercial incentive for captured CO₂.

  • Challenges and Costs: DAC requires significant energy, especially for regenerating the sorbents to release CO₂, making it currently more expensive than other methods. However, advancements are improving efficiency and lowering costs.