CCUS – Enabling a Sustainable Energy Transition
The energy transition is fraught with challenges and ambiguities. From uncertainties related to the energy mix, the intermittent nature of renewable sources, infrastructure limitations, regulatory uncertainties, and geopolitics, to name just a few.
Amidst these challenges, one obvious solution is a fundamental requirement: Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). At its core, CCUS is a comprehensive value proposition designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced from hydrocarbon-based sources, prevent them from emitting to the atmosphere, and subsequently utilize or store them in a safe, permanent, and controlled manner. CCUS addresses the dual challenge of reducing emissions while also enabling critical industries to continue utilizing essential fossil fuels and energy supply as we transition to future energy sources. It is an essential technology for achieving climate impact.
CCUS is instrumental in the “hard to abate” decarbonization of industrial processes. Some sectors face inherent challenges in decarbonization due to the nature of their operations, such as cement, steel, and chemicals, which are major contributors to carbon emissions. Perhaps the most relevant aspect of CCUS is its ability to capture carbon emissions directly from the source, especially for these hard-to-decarbonize sectors - by the capture of CO2 before it is released into the atmosphere. CCUS significantly reduces the carbon footprint of these operations and facilities all striving to reduce scope 1,2 and 3 emissions.
It is important to note that less than 40% of all energy consumed is electricity. The balance is chemicals, fuels, and materials - all of which are hydrocarbon-based and are CO2 emitters. Achieving zero emissions is a far greater challenge than simply how we generate our electricity.
CCUS will also be a key enabler for the rapidly growing hydrogen (H2) economy. Beyond the need for transportation of light and heavy-duty vehicles, other segments, such as H2 fuel substitution, will be central to the growth of H2 and the majority of volume growth. These include fuel for gas turbines for electricity, fuel for enormous volumes of steam currently produced by natural gas and fuel gas combustion, and H2 feedstock for chemicals and energy storage. H2 volumes by all IEA study accounts will grow 5-10 times over the next 40 years – and this volume growth can only be satisfied by world-scale, natural gas-supplied feedstock technologies such as steam-methane reforming and auto-thermal reforming. Capturing the CO2 with CCUS is the enabler of this clean H2 future.
CCUS also enhances energy security by providing reliable and stable sources of electricity that are necessary for any industrialized nation. CCUS used on natural gas-fired and coal-fired facilities will be a global solution and it will preserve economic stability by enabling carbon-free electricity that is available 24/7. To anticipate the complete conversion to renewable sources – that are NOT 24/7 – short or long-term ignores the foundational requirements of citizens and industries that are major employers and economic drivers. It is essential for jobs, growth, and economic stability in emerging regions heavily dependent on traditional energy sources. Fast-growing markets in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East require technical solutions – not political shame or policies to stunt growth or the welfare of their citizens.
As such, CCUS has the potential to become a global catalyst for collaborations that cut across ideological differences and diverging agendas. It is not the only solution – and it is not for everyone, everywhere…but it is critically important to deploy broadly in all parts of the world. Global technology and know-how sharing can enable the partnerships and collaborations to provide emissions reduction impact and the sustainable energy transition we all seek.
The Honorable Charles McConnell
Assistant Secretary of Energy
US DOE (2011-13)
Energy Officer – Carbon Management and Sustainability
University of Houston
In partnership with
Bilateral Chamber
www.bilateralchamber.org
