The challenges in scaling carbon capture technology

A recent study led by researchers at Imperial College London has revealed sobering realities about the pace at which technology to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) can be scaled up

Published in Nature Communications, the study challenges existing projections, indicating that current international goals may be overly ambitious.

The research, led by experts from Imperial’s Department of Earth Science and Engineering, focuses on the feasibility of scaling up carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to meet global climate targets. According to the study, achieving the goal of removing 1 to 30 gigatonnes of CO2 annually by 2050, a crucial step in limiting global warming to under 1.5 degrees Celsius, poses significant challenges.

Scaling up carbon capture and storage

Lead author Yuting Zhang emphasised that while storing up to 16 gigatonnes of CO2 underground annually by mid-century is technically possible, it would necessitate monumental increases in storage capacity and deployment rates. Such advancements are currently hampered by slow investment and development, highlighting a substantial gap between ambition and realistic capability.

Dr. Samuel Krevor, co-author of the study, noted the uncertainty surrounding current projections, pointing out that existing models often overestimate the speed at which CCS technologies can be implemented.

This discrepancy is particularly evident in regions like Asia, where assumptions about deployment rates do not align with actual development.

Storing CO2

The study advocates for a more pragmatic approach, suggesting that a global benchmark of 5 to 6 gigatonnes of CO2 storage per year by 2050 is more feasible. This estimate draws from historical growth patterns observed in other industries, such as mining and renewable energy, offering a grounded perspective on scaling up CCS technologies.

Professor Christopher Jackson, another co-author, cautioned against relying solely on speculative models, urging policymakers to adopt more realistic goals based on empirical data and industry trends. He emphasised the need for coordinated international efforts and increased investment to accelerate CCS deployment effectively.

The findings show the importance of aligning ambitious climate initiatives with achievable targets for CCS technology. With governments worldwide, including the UK, pledging to bolster CCS infrastructure as part of their climate strategies, the study’s insights serve as a crucial guideline for shaping future policies.

The study was supported by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Royal Academy of Engineering, highlighting collaborative efforts to advance sustainable solutions amidst the climate crisis.

As the world grapples with urgent environmental challenges, the study from Imperial College London provides a timely reality check on scaling up carbon capture and storage technologies. Balancing ambition with practicality, it offers a pathway for policymakers to navigate towards a more sustainable future.