Carbon capture and storage

The first crucial step is capture. This involves separating the CO₂​ from a mix of other gases that come from industrial activities or power plants.

Different methods are used to do this depending on where the CO₂​ is coming from and how concentrated it is.

Once the CO₂ is captured, it's then compressed to a dense, liquid-like state. This makes it easier and cheaper to transport.

It might also go through a process to remove any impurities.

Next, the compressed ​CO₂ needs to be moved to its final storage place. The most common way to do this, especially for large amounts travelling long distances, is through pipelines.

Sometimes, particularly for storage out at sea or for smaller amounts, ships or even trucks might be used.

Finally, the CO₂​ is injected deep beneath the Earth's surface, into carefully selected geological formations. These underground locations are chosen because they have certain types of rock.

These rocks have the space and permeability for gas to seep into small spaces, while containing and sealing the CO₂​ within impermeable caprock.

To make sure everything stays safe and secure long-term, these storage sites are monitored and overseen at all times.

CCS technology could be applied to existing and new gas-fired power plants to reduce their CO₂ emissions.

This creates a reliable source of power with fewer carbon emissions (alongside renewable sources like wind and solar).

Energy-intensive industries, like those making cement, steel and chemicals, produce lots of CO₂ in their processes.

CCS is one of the few solutions available to decarbonise these industries.

CCS is essential for producing low-carbon ‘blue’ hydrogen from natural gas. By capturing the CO₂ byproduct, this cleaner hydrogen can be used to reduce emissions in domestic heating, transportation and industrial processes.

As we move towards a more sustainable energy future, CCS technology can help us transition more smoothly.

It can make power that’s generated by using fossil fuels greener, as we gradually switch to renewable sources.

Another positive of CCS is that it taps into mechanisms like the emissions market and carbon pricing.

These can incentivise the adoption of CCS by putting a value on carbon reductions, directly contributing to the growth of the carbon capture industry.

Across Europe, there's a shared understanding of CCS’s importance in reaching climate goals. The EU is setting overall targets and developing policies to encourage its uptake, such as the Innovation Fund and its possible inclusion in the EU Emissions Trading System.

Like the UK, many European nations are particularly focused on using CCS to reduce the carbon footprint of energy-intensive industries. Recognising the potential for greater efficiencies and cost savings, there are also initiatives to develop cross-border infrastructure for transporting and storing captured CO₂.

Yet the level of government support for CCS varies considerably across Europe. Some countries, like Norway and the Netherlands, are further ahead with actual projects and infrastructure, while others are still in the early planning stages.