Carbon capture technology offers solutions for managing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, primarily focusing on storing or reusing the captured gas.
The applications of carbon capture can be broadly categorized into two main areas: storage and utilization.
CO₂ Storage Applications
One primary application involves storing the captured carbon dioxide safely and permanently away from the atmosphere.
- Underground Geologic Formations: Captured CO₂ is injected deep underground into suitable rock formations. These formations can include depleted oil and gas reservoirs, deep saline aquifers, or unmineable coal seams. This method aims to isolate the CO₂ over geological timescales.
CO₂ Utilization Applications (Carbon Capture and Utilization - CCU)
Beyond storage, captured carbon dioxide can also be put to productive use, transforming a waste product into valuable materials or energy carriers. As the reference states, captured carbon dioxide can be put to productive use in the manufacture of fuels, building materials, enhanced oil recovery and more.
Here are some key utilization applications:
Manufacturing and Industrial Use
- Manufacture of Fuels: CO₂ can be used as a building block to synthesize various fuels, including synthetic hydrocarbons (like methane or methanol) or liquid fuels. This process often requires renewable energy sources.
- Building Materials: Carbon dioxide can be incorporated into building materials such as concrete. Technologies exist to mineralize CO₂ into stable carbonates, which can then be used in construction, potentially reducing the cement industry's carbon footprint.
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Injecting CO₂ into aging oil reservoirs helps to increase oil production. The CO₂ mixes with the remaining oil, making it easier to extract. While this process yields more oil, it can also serve as a form of CO₂ storage if the injected CO₂ remains underground.
Other Productive Uses
- Agriculture (Greenhouses): CO₂ can be used in controlled environments like greenhouses to enhance plant growth rates.
- Food and Beverage Industry: Captured CO₂ is used for carbonating drinks, preserving food, or freezing applications (dry ice).
- Chemical Manufacturing: CO₂ is a feedstock in the production of various chemicals, including urea (used in fertilizers), polymers, and other industrial chemicals.
Summary Table of Applications
| Category | Specific Application | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | Geologic Storage | Injecting CO₂ into underground formations (saline aquifers, depleted reservoirs). |
| Utilization (CCU) | Manufacture of Fuels | Using CO₂ as a feedstock for synthetic fuels. |
| Manufacture of Building Materials | Incorporating CO₂ into concrete and other construction materials. | |
| Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) | Injecting CO₂ into oil reservoirs to boost extraction. | |
| Other Industrial Uses | Carbonation, chemical feedstock, greenhouse enrichment, etc. |
In summary, carbon capture technology provides critical pathways for managing CO₂ emissions through secure storage or innovative reuse across various industries, contributing to decarbonization efforts.
