Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
A technology that captures CO2 emissions from industrial processes or directly from the atmosphere and stores them underground to prevent them from entering the atmosphere.
Climate ScienceCarbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a set of technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions at their source (e.g., power plants, industrial facilities) or directly from the ambient air, and permanently store them underground in geological formations.
Types of Carbon Capture
- Post-combustion capture: CO2 is separated from flue gases after fossil fuels are burned.
- Pre-combustion capture: Fuel is converted to hydrogen and CO2 before combustion; the CO2 is captured.
- Direct Air Capture (DAC): Machines extract CO2 directly from the atmosphere using chemical sorbents or solvents.
Storage Methods
- Geological storage: CO2 is injected into deep underground rock formations (e.g., depleted oil/gas reservoirs, saline aquifers).
- Mineral carbonation: CO2 reacts with minerals to form stable carbonates.
- Ocean storage: Experimental approaches to dissolve CO2 in deep ocean waters.
Career Relevance
CCS is a growing field with roles in chemical engineering, geology, project management, and environmental monitoring. Companies like Climeworks, CarbFix, and LanzaTech are leading the way.