Carbon capture and storage (CCS) Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a cornerstone of clean coal technology, capturing CO₂ emissions from power plants and industrial sources for secure underground storage or reuse.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a three-stage technological process designed to prevent large volumes of carbon dioxide (CO2 ) from entering the atmosphere, primarily from power generation and industrial sources. The process begins with Capture, where CO2  is separated from the other flue gases. This can be achieved through various methods, such as passing the exhaust gas through a chemical solvent that selectively binds with the CO2 , or through membrane separation. The second stage is Transport, where the captured CO2  is compressed into a dense fluid and conveyed, usually via a pipeline or ship, to a storage location.

The final stage is Storage or Sequestration, involving the injection of the CO2  deep underground into carefully selected, porous geological formations—such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or deep saline aquifers—where a sealing caprock prevents its migration back to the surface, ensuring its long-term isolation. CCS is considered a crucial abatement technology, distinct from efficiency improvements, as it directly addresses the majority of the CO2  emission problem.

FAQs
What are the three main steps in the CCS process?
The three steps are Capture (separating CO2 from other gases), Transport (moving the CO2 to a site), and Storage (injecting it deep underground).

What is the purpose of the Capture stage in CCS?
The purpose is to separate the carbon dioxide from the other gases in the power plant's exhaust stream, typically using chemical solvents or physical separation techniques.

Where is the captured CO2 stored long-term?
It is injected and permanently isolated deep underground in secure geological formations, such as deep saline aquifers or former oil and gas fields, capped by impermeable rock layers.