Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon-Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies are playing a key role in the global strategy towards the reduction of carbon emissions. The Conference of Parties 28 (COP28) held in Dubai, UAE recommended the use of these technologies to abate and rid the atmosphere of excess carbon. Unabated fossil fuels refer to the burning of these fuels without capturing their carbon emissions using CCS technologies, which draft decision texts from COP28 suggested should be phased out.
Defining CCS and CDR
CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) before it is released into the atmosphere. It is commonly used in industries like fossil fuel production, where coal, oil, and gas are combusted to generate power, and industrial processes like steel and cement production. On the other hand, CDR employs both natural means like afforestation and reforestation, and technologies that directly absorb CO₂ from the surroundings and store it underground. Examples of such technologies include enhanced rock weathering, which chemically breaks down rocks to remove CO₂ from the air, and bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) which captures and stores CO₂ from burning biomass such as wood.
The Role of CCS and CDR in Global Warming
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) underscores the significance of CCS and CDR technologies in achieving the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The AR6 outlines scenarios relying heavily on these technologies, including the expectation to sequester 5 billion tonnes of CO₂ by 2040. This scale of sequestration surpasses India’s current annual CO₂ emissions and highlights the importance of these technologies in achieving a sustainable climate future.
Challenges in Implementing CCS and CDR
Despite their potential, concerns exist around the implementation of CCS and CDR technologies. One such concern is the inadvertent creation of “rebound emissions” where CCS and CDR’s existence may lead to increased emissions or prolonged reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, the deployment of CCS has led to the extraction of more oil by injecting captured CO₂ into oil fields, thereby potentially increasing fossil fuel dependency rather than reducing it.
Land equity issues arise with CDR methods, which require large amounts of land for afforestation, reforestation, BECCS, and direct air capture projects. These practices can adversely affect the indigenous communities’ land rights and biodiversity, especially in the Global South.
Additionally, technological and financial hurdles associated with scaling up CCS and CDR technologies exist. These include high costs, limited infrastructure, and a need for significant innovation to make these technologies more effective and affordable.
Way Forward: Ensuring Responsible Deployment of CCS and CDR
A comprehensive approach is necessary to address these challenges, including technological advancements and policy frameworks that discourage continued reliance on fossil fuels. Strategies must also ensure the responsible and sustainable deployment of CCS and CDR technologies that align with broader climate goals. It is critical to integrate these technologies within broader climate strategies but also emphasize their role as transitional solutions rather than long-term fixes. Their deployment should complement and not detract from efforts to decarbonize the economy through renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, and sustainable practices.
