Carbon Capture and Storage A Key to Achieve Net-Zero Targets
                     Carbon Capture and Storage: A 
Key to Achieve Net-Zero Targets
Amidst rising CO2 emissions, renewable energy sources and improving energy efficiency 
are critical components of climate change solutions. One of the most promising technologies
to mitigate industrial carbon emissions is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). This 
innovative technology provides a pathway to capture CO2 emissions before they enter the 
atmosphere, significantly reducing their impact on the environment. According to the 
International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Sustainable Development Scenario, Carbon Capture, 
Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology could account for nearly 15% of the total 
emissions reduction needed to achieve global net-zero targets by 2070. This highlights 
CCUS as a key component in addressing climate change and meeting long-term 
sustainability goals.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is no longer a far-off vision of the future but a practical 
solution to today’s climate crisis. CCS is also recognized as an essential tool to meet the 
Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global temperature rise to below 2°C. According to the 
Global CCS Institute, to meet these goals, the world would need to increase CCS capacity 
from the current 40 million tons annually to around 5.6 billion tons per year by 2050. 
What is Carbon Capture and Storage? 
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a carbon emissions reduction technology designed to 
capture and securely store CO2 produced by industries. It is utilized in industries like steel, 
cement, and power generation, where emissions are difficult to decarbonize. The CCS 
process can be broken down as follows: 
 Capture: CO2 is separated from other gases in industrial processes using advanced 
carbon capture technology. 
 Transport: Captured CO2 is then transported via pipelines, ships, or other means to 
a designated storage site. 
 Storage: CO2 is stored deep underground in geological formations, such as depleted
oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers, preventing its release into the atmosphere. 
The Technologies behind Carbon Capture and Storage
The most common CO2 storage methods involve geological formations. These include 
depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline aquifers, and unmineable coal seams. A successful 
example of geological CO2 storage is Norway’s Sleipner project, which has been storing 
approximately 1 million tons of CO2 annually in a saline aquifer beneath the North Sea 
since 1996. Other carbon capture methods are generally classified into three primary 
approaches: 
 Pre-Combustion Carbon Capture: This method captures CO2 before the fuel is 
burned, making it particularly suitable for industries that convert coal, oil, or gas into 
fuel gas. Pre-combustion capture typically involves gasifying the fuel to produce a 
mixture of hydrogen and CO2. The CO2 is then separated and captured for storage. 
 Post-Combustion Carbon Capture: The method involves capturing CO2 from the 
flue gases emitted after fossil fuels are burned. This approach is widely applicable to 
power plants and various industrial facilities. A notable example is the Boundary Dam
power station in Canada, which captures approximately 1 million tons of CO2 
annually through post-combustion capture. 
 Oxyfuel Combustion Technology: This process involves burning fuels in oxygen 
rather than air, resulting in a concentrated stream of CO2, which makes it easier to 
capture. This method is still being developed and tested but holds promise for future 
CCS projects. 
Once captured, CO2 must be transported to storage sites. Pipelines are the most common 
mode of CO2 transportation, particularly for large-scale carbon capture and storage 
systems. Currently, more than 6,500 kilometers of CO2 pipelines are in operation globally, 
especially in regions like the US and Canada, which have well-established infrastructure for 
CCS and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS). 
Real-World Applications of Carbon Capture and Storage
Around the world, CCS projects are already in action as power generation is a major source 
of CO2 emissions. Implementing CCS in power plants has proven effective in reducing their 
environmental impact. For instance, the Petra Nova power station in Texas employed a 
CCS system that captured over 1.6 million tons of CO2 annually during its operation from 
2017 to 2020. 
The Gorgon Project in Australia is one of the largest CCS initiatives in the world, aiming to 
store 4 million tons of CO2 annually in an offshore gas field. Such large-scale projects 
demonstrate the feasibility of CCS in combating industrial emissions. 
Similarly, the Drax Group in the UK, which operates the country’s largest power station, 
plans to capture 8 million tons of CO2 annually as part of its bioenergy with carbon capture 
and storage (BECCS) project. In January 2024, the UK government approved Drax’s plan to 
convert two of its biomass units into carbon capture and storage stations for bioenergy. 
Challenges and Opportunities in Carbon Capture and Storage
While the potential of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is promising, several challenges 
remain. The cost of implementing CCS technology remains high. Estimates suggest that 
capturing CO2 can cost between $60 to $100 per ton, depending on the technology and 
source. The IEA forecasts that the cost of carbon capture and storage (CCS) could decrease
significantly in the coming years, primarily due to increased deployment and technological 
advancements. In addition to the costs, developing the infrastructure required for CCS, such 
as pipelines and storage facilities, demands substantial investment. Countries without 
established pipelines or suitable geological storage sites face logistical challenges. Most 
importantly, public concern about the safety of storing CO2 underground and a lack of clear 
government policies have slowed the widespread adoption of CCS. 
However, despite these financial and regulatory hurdles, varied opportunities are paving the 
way for stakeholders to explore the full potential of CCS. Active R&D efforts are leading to 
more efficient and cost-effective CCS technologies. Innovations in materials for CO2 
capture, such as advanced solvents and membranes, are expected to further drive down 
costs. Governments are increasingly recognizing the role of CCS in meeting climate goals. 
For instance, the US Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed in 2021 allocated 
$3.5 billion for CCS projects, and similar investments are being made worldwide. 
Future Prospects in Carbon Capture and Storage
Looking ahead, CCS will play a pivotal role in managing CO2 and keeping our planet’s 
climate in balance. As we strive toward a net-zero future, industries and governments are 
expected to invest heavily in CCS infrastructure. Countries like China and India, with their 
heavy reliance on coal, could be key players in adopting CCS to reduce their emissions 
while maintaining economic growth. From power generation to heavy industry, CCS is 
proving its ability to significantly curb CO2 emissions. However, realizing its full potential will 
require overcoming economic and infrastructural challenges, supported by continued 
innovation, government policy, and investment.