Carbon capture and storage, or CCS, is a vital option to combat climate change because it allows for significant reductions in CO2 emissions from fossil-based systems. CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide from power plants and other industrial facilities, transporting it to suitable locations, and injecting it into very deep geologic formations such as saline reservoirs, and mature oil or gas fields. Once injected, the CO2 is isolated from the drinking water supplies and prevented from release into the atmosphere by a primary confining zone that includes a dense layer of rock that acts as a seal. Over time, it is expected that CO2 storage projects will become more secure, rather than less secure as these additional trapping mechanisms take effect.

Why do this? Carbon is emitted into the atmosphere (as carbon dioxide, also called CO2) whenever we burn fuel. The largest sources are cars and non-nuclear power stations - those that burn coal, oil or gas, otherwise known as fossil fuels. When excess carbon dioxide builds up in the atmosphere, it prevents heat from leaving our atmosphere and causes global warming. CCS is a way to store thousands of millions of tons of CO2 in these natural storage facilities underground. Some of the best natural containers are old oil and gas fields, such as those in the North Sea. Although controversial, many believe it could have a significant immediate impact on global warming.

THE FACTS

CCS applied to a modern conventional power plant could reduce CO2 emissions to the atmosphere by approximately 80-90% compared to a plant without CCS.