What is carbon capture ?

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In simple terms, carbon capturing is the act of capturing carbon before it is released into the atmosphere, with the goal of mitigating its effects on the climate. 

Carbon capture refers to the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources including power plants, manufacturing facilities, or directly from the air – all in attempts to prevent them from entering the atmosphere. 

As a whole, several climate mitigation strategies incorporate the use of carbon capture and storage technologies to help organizations further reduce their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions and help limit global warming. However, it is important to note that carbon capture and storage is not a sufficient replacement for a robust carbon reduction plan – and should be used as a supplement to reducing emissions as opposed to the main mechanism for emission reduction strategies.

The captured CO₂ from carbon capture and storage systems can either be stored deep underground or reused – such as to manufacture other materials or to produce synthetic fuels, enhancing concrete. Carbon capture technologies are particularly beneficial for hard-to-decarbonize industries which utilize carbon intensive materials or methods such as cement, steel, and chemical production.

Remember, carbon capture is not a standalone solution to climate change – but it can play a valuable role when coupled with effective emission reduction strategies, usage of renewable energy, and other sustainable business strategies. In the end, its effectiveness depends on scaling technology, reducing costs, and ensuring long-term storage safety.

What are the steps involved in the carbon capture process? 

Carbon capture refers to part of a climate change mitigation process involving several steps. 

• Step 1: Carbon is captured near its production source 
• Step 2: Carbon is transported 
• Step 3: The carbon is then stored in a secure location 

‍Carbon can be captured directly from a location in which carbon is produced, such as coal and has power plants, or factories of steel or cement for example, by separating it from other gasses and byproducts of production. It is then compressed in a form fit for transport, and can be shipped via designated pipelines, by truck, or by ship. It is then permanently stored in secure underground locations. Carbon capture is a necessary step for achieving the IPCC’s recommendation of limiting global temperature increase by 1.5 °C. 

FAQ

Is carbon capture important for fighting climate change?

While carbon capture can help to reduce atmospheric CO₂ levels and slow global warming, especially in sectors where emissions are difficult to eliminate, it should ultimately be used as a supplementary tactic to complement traditional carbon reduction strategies – such as  utilizing renewable energy and efficiency measures.

How does carbon capture work?

Carbon capture systems work by trapping CO₂ directly from the air and then either storing it underground or reusing it for industrial use. Ultimately, carbon capture systems work to displace excess carbon and keep it out of the atmosphere.

How can Greenly help with carbon capture strategies?

Greenly supports organizations seeking to assess and reduce their carbon footprint, meaning we can help to identify areas where carbon capture could be useful in addition to other broader, effective sustainability and compliance strategies aligned with ESRS and CSRD.

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