Capturing Carbon: Clean Energy

Burning fossil fuel (gas, oil, and coal) has measurably increased the total load of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. As both a sustainability consultant and energy consultant, I keep a close eye on the developments in the energy industry. One of possible responses being discussed to reducing carbon emissions is the capturing of gasses after combustion and reinjection of these into subsurface settings where they will be retained for geological periods of time. This long-term sustainability concept called Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS) is gaining attention in the energy industry.

At the 2008 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) , a distinguished panel of research and industry experts discussed the engineering and geological challenges of CCS.

On February 9, 2009, the Gulf Coast Carbon Center held their annual meeting. The Bureau of Economic Geology gave an update on their research and a presentation on “Overview of Carbon Dioxide Storage (Sequestration)”.

Outside of the US energy industry, there is also a great deal of discussion taking place. The World Resources Institute’s (WRI) about Carbon Capture and Storage project is working with policymakers and the private sector to develop solutions to the policy, regulatory, investment, environmental and social challenges associated with CCS demonstration and deployment.

Carbon Capture and Sequestration may prove to be one of the long-term strategies implemented to address carbon dioxide emissions from energy production. Without a doubt, to address climate change issues, a comprehensive approach is needed with carbon capture and sequestration being one of the potential solutions.