When we talk about CCUS, we refer to the abbreviation for "Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage," a technological process that involves capturing, utilizing, and storing carbon, usually emitted by large sources such as power plants and factories. If the CO2 cannot be reused on-site, it is separated from other gases, compressed, and transported via pipelines, ships, trains, or trucks to be used in various products and commercial applications.
For permanent storage, CO₂ is injected into deep geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs, saline water reservoirs, unmined coal deposits, and other specific types of rock (e.g., salt and basalts). This ensures that the carbon is securely stored for thousands or even millions of years, preventing an increase in atmospheric CO2.
CCUS technology can be applied to existing power plants and factories, allowing them to continue operating while adapting to the new global energy landscape. It is particularly useful for sectors that rely on carbon-intensive raw materials or produce high CO2 emissions, such as the cement, steel, and chemical industries. These sectors are known as "hard-to-abate" due to the difficulty in reducing their emissions. Additionally, this technology facilitates the production of low-carbon hydrogen at reduced costs, helping the decarbonization of other areas. Finally, CCUS can remove CO₂ directly from the air, offsetting emissions that are inevitable or difficult to reduce by conventional methods.
Therefore, CCUS technology is a crucial tool in the fight against climate change, as it allows for the safe and efficient capture and storage of CO2, contributing to the reduction of global carbon emissions and helping to create a more sustainable energy future.
