Carbon Capture and Storage is Essential Post Paris

Interest in carbon capture and storage (CCS) has intensified in the wake of the Paris Climate Agreement. CCS refers to a suite of technologies that pull CO2 from a smokestack before it escapes into the air. It is then sequestered in some fashion, most commonly by burying it deep underground. CCS is a much needed technology, if for no other reason than the fact that fossil fuels are likely to be with us for years to come.

There have been a number of notable achievements in the area of CCS in recent years. According to Victor Der, executive advisor and acting general manager – the Americas, Global CCS Institute:

Carbon Air Capture and Storage (Videos)

We need technologies that draw carbon dioxide from the air and either re-use or store it. While we must curtail our carbon emissions we must also find ways to reduce existing levels of atmospheric carbon. Climate change is caused by the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially carbon. Prior to the dawn of the industrial revolution atmospheric carbon levels were below 300 ppm, they are currently above 400 ppm and climbing.

Innovations that Sequester Carbon to Combat Climate Change (Videos)

There have been a wide assortment of innovative solutions proposed to combat the climate crisis. While most of these technologies offer low carbon alternatives to existing technologies, others actually remove greenhouse gases (GHGs) like carbon right out of the air.

Some innovations use renewable energy to power traditional technologies like air conditioning and water desalination. Others use structures in novel ways like rotating power-generating buildings and skyscrapers.

Seminar - Carbon Capture and Storage in the UK

The seminar, Carbon Capture and Storage in the UK is subtitled "policy priorities, collaboration and long-term confidence." It will take place on Tuesday July 7th, 2015 at the Royal Aeronautical Society, No. 4 Hamilton Place, London, UK. This CDP certified event features Peter Emery, Director, Capture Power and Production Director, Drax Group; Bill Spence, Business Opportunity Manager, Peterhead Project, Shell and Amy Clemitshaw, Deputy Director, Fossil Fuel Generation and Carbon Capture and Storage Policy, Department of Energy and Climate Change.

The Failure of Clean Coal

Despite billions of dollars in investments it would appear that clean coal is an expensive pipe-dream that is not delivering results. Clean coal technology has been plagued with cost overruns and it has been shown to be far less effective at sequestering carbon than its supporters had promised. Independent assessments also suggest that it is proving to be a financial boondoggle.