CO2 Capture and storage: A Key Carbon Abatement Option

CO2 Capture and Storage: A Key Carbon Abatement Option

Introduction The International Energy Agency (IEA) published "CO2 Capture and Storage: A Key Carbon Abatement Option" in 2008. The report addresses the growing role of oil, coal, and natural gas in meeting future energy needs, with significant CO2 emissions expected unless action is taken.

Key Findings

1. Role of CCS: CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is highlighted as a crucial technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels. It involves capturing CO2 from large stationary sources, transporting it, and storing it in deep geological layers.

2. Progress and Challenges: The report documents the progress made towards developing CCS technologies, including:

   • Capture, transportation, and storage technologies and their costs.
   • Storage capacity estimates.
   • Regional assessments of CCS potential.
   • Legal and regulatory frameworks.
   • Public awareness and outreach strategies.
   • Financial mechanisms and international mechanisms.

3. Ambitious Energy Scenarios: The study discusses the potential of CCS in various energy scenarios, focusing on coal-fueled electricity generation and industries involved in fuel transformation. It also assesses the infrastructure needed to handle large volumes of CO2.

4. Roadmap for Deployment: An updated roadmap outlines the near-term and long-term needs for CCS development, providing essential information for accelerating its demonstration and deployment in a sustainable manner.

Conclusion The publication emphasizes that while CCS is not a panacea, it can be a vital component of a broader portfolio of technologies aimed at addressing energy security and climate change. The success of CCS depends on appropriate long-term policy frameworks and sufficient financial incentives, especially for early demonstration projects.

Organizational Context The IEA is an autonomous body established within the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 1974. Its primary goals include maintaining systems for coping with oil supply disruptions, promoting rational energy policies, operating an information system on the international oil market, and improving energy supply and demand structures through the development of alternative energy sources and increased energy efficiency.

Acknowledgements The report was prepared by the IEA's Energy Technology Office (ETO) in collaboration with the Economic Analysis Division (EAD) and the Long-term Cooperation and Policy Analysis Office (LTO). Key contributors include Neil Hirst, Kamel Bennaceur, Dolf Gielen, Tom Kerr, and Cecilia Tam, with support from numerous IEA colleagues and external consultants.