Carbon capture and storage traps CO2 after it is produced and stores it underground. For huge industries, the potential for reduction of CO2 is significant with CCS. The technology is strengthened by the Earth’s capacity of storage. Earth is able to store all human-induced emissions for more than 100 years. CCS is even more important for developing countries whose consumption of fossil fuels increases rapidly. The goal of CCS is to permanently store CO2, although there is concern about the potential for the gas to leak, which will cause a more severe global warming. However, studies have shown that leakage will not leak significantly and will stay underground likely over 1000 years, with careful monitor. Besides, worries of underground water contamination due to CO2 displacing oxygen arises. Researchers again assure the unlikelihood of such incident provided that the site is selected carefully. Good management is also important. Engineers have decades of experience injecting CO2 into oil reservoirs. Thus, confidence of completing detail procedures of CCS is high.
CCS is progressing smoothly in Norway. It is due to the presence of Norway’s high carbon taxes which discourage carbon emissions. It is important to make a policy framework to make CCS economical. It is believed that CCS will fit into industry in next 20 years with proper development.
There are argues that technology should concentrate more on long-term clean energy. However, CCS is still believed to be one of the solutions for environmental problem. CCS is a bridge technology which will help us before switching to better technology. When that time reaches, we are no longer depend on fossil fuels, nor CCS.
Reference:
Carbon Capture And Storage To Combat Global Warming Examined: Retrieved Oct, 9th, 2008 from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/06/070611153957.htm
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