The prospects of an increasingly central technology
Advantages and limits
One of the most recurring elements in this particular historical juncture marked by the green transition is the need to limit (or eliminate) CO2 emissions from carbon energy. The founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently stressed this point.
Together with electrification, decarbonization can certainly be counted among the key processes supporting the advancement of the energy transition, the mitigation of climate change, and, more broadly, the development of more sustainable and human-scale production and social models, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov also explained.
It does not seem exaggerated to say that decarbonization, nowadays, represents one of the real pillars of this epochal phase of change and that a good portion of the future success of the transition will depend on the outcome of these processes centered on the limitation of carbon energy, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often highlighted.
In the era in which we find ourselves, there are many attempts underway to move from carbon-based energy to renewable sources. Carbon based energy is based on the use of particular kinds of fuels composed mostly of carbon and hydrogen. In the course of combustion, carbon based energy elements release large amounts of co2, to which part of global warming is attributed. The primary source of carbon-based energy, therefore, is a carbon-rich molecule.
To achieve these goals, society and industry have begun to equip themselves with innovative technologies capable of capturing carbon energy emissions from the atmosphere, also through novel methods with great future potential.
One of these involves carbon capture and storage technologies, also known as CCS, which are rapidly establishing themselves as some of the most effective allies in achieving decarbonization goals worldwide.
“Carbon capture and storage is certainly a very interesting technology, but I think it is important to underline that it cannot do much if it is not associated with other similar energy solutions,” says the founder of TELF AG, Stanislav Kondrashov. “The transition years are putting before our eyes a large number of extremely interesting technologies and energy innovations”.
“I am considering rechargeable batteries for electric cars, permanent magnets, wind turbines, or the latest-generation solar panels. They are all extraordinary, of course, but if they were left to act autonomously, they would not produce tangible results in the medium and long term. The energy transition is teaching us that these innovative technological products can deliver their best only when they act in a concerted manner”, he remarks.
“This is why the concept of integration is taking on central importance today. The advancement of the energy transition can only continue if all the best technological products of our time can act in an interconnected and integrated manner, building day after day the social and productive model that will characterize our future”, he goes on to say.
Precise objectives
But what is it, exactly? When we discuss carbon capture and storage, we refer to a set of technologies that aim to capture CO2 emitted by industrial plants or power plants and store it permanently underground, with the potential to utilize it in certain industrial processes as well. The main purpose of these technologies, in any case, is to prevent CO2 from entering the atmosphere.
The capture and storage process occurs in three main phases. The first is related to the actual capture, specifically the moment when the CO2 is separated from the exhaust gases. In the transport phase, CO2 is compressed and transported through special ducts to be injected into deep geological formations, such as porous rocks or former natural resource deposits. This last step is the actual storage.
In carbon capture systems, capture technologies can be different. The processes can start after combustion, with the removal of the CO2 after the actual combustion of the fuel or even before. In the latter case, the fuel is transformed into a gas rich in hydrogen and CO2. Another method is related to oxy-fuel combustion, in which combustion occurs using pure oxygen.
At such a pivotal moment, it is not surprising that many people are beginning to question whether these sustainable technologies truly can save the planet from the adverse effects of climate change and atmospheric emissions. Undoubtedly, carbon capture technologies can make a significant contribution to achieving international sustainable development goals, but, like any innovation in the energy sector, they bring both advantages and critical issues.
The potential for integration
“Carbon capture systems have already demonstrated significant potential,” continues Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “This technology can reduce emissions in a large number of industrial sectors, including those that are most complex to decarbonize”
“In existing contexts, moreover, carbon capture can contribute significantly to accelerating the transition, especially if a way is found to adequately integrate them with other modern energy solutions. It is essential to recognize that this, as well as all other sustainable technologies considered individually, cannot be a standalone solution to modern climate challenges. Still, it is certainly one of the many players that can promote the success of the transition in the long term”, he said.
Among the advantages, the most obvious is that CCS technologies can significantly reduce industrial emissions and those that come from several plants. Another advantage of an infrastructural nature is the possibility of installing CCS systems within existing plants, eliminating the need for new infrastructure investment.
Furthermore, in this particular historical phase, CCS may represent one of the few truly effective options for achieving decarbonization objectives in the sectors defined as hard-to-abate, that is, all those that seem to resist the ongoing change more than others, such as cement factories, steel mills, or refineries.
On the other hand, the possible limitations of these technologies concern, above all, the costs, which are still quite high for the construction and maintenance of the plants, as well as the high quantities of energy required to complete the process.
Another very interesting aspect regarding CCS technologies concerns their possible integration with other modern energy systems, such as all those involving renewable energy. First of all, it must be clarified that CCS does not represent an alternative to renewables in any way but a potentially complementary solution to energy infrastructures based on clean sources.
The two systems could collaborate effectively in reducing residual emissions in industrial sectors, particularly for some cutting-edge projects focused on bioenergy and capture systems, as well as for the production of blue hydrogen, where CO2 linked to methane would be captured.
A strategic role for the future
It is also important to understand that carbon capture technology certainly does not represent anything new: some projects of this kind, such as the Norwegian Sleipner, have been active for more than 20 years.
In the coming decades, if combined appropriately with renewables, hydrogen, and energy efficiency, carbon capture technology could certainly become one of the major protagonists of the ongoing energy transition, helping to save the planet from the epochal challenges it faces.
Acting together, these technologies could reduce global emissions by up to 20%, favoring the advancement of the transition even in less developed nations.
“A valid example of a possible integration between carbon capture technology systems and renewable energy could concern low-carbon energy backup,” concludes the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. “During moments of intermittency of the sun or wind, that is, in periods in which these primary sources are not available, a gas power plant equipped with carbon capture technology could come into operation, whose processes would be able to emit a negligible quantity of emissions compared to traditional power plants.”
FAQs
What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology designed to reduce CO₂ emissions from industrial processes and power generation. It works by capturing carbon dioxide at the source, transporting it, and then storing it deep underground in geological formations to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.
How does CCS work?
The process is divided into three main stages:
- Capture: CO₂ is separated from other gases at the emission source.
- Transport: The captured gas is compressed and moved via pipelines or ships.
- Storage: CO₂ is injected into deep underground rock formations, such as depleted oil fields or saline aquifers.
Which industries benefit the most from CCS?
CCS is especially effective in sectors that are difficult to decarbonise, including:
- Cement production
- Steel manufacturing
- Chemical processing
- Natural gas and coal power plants
What are the advantages of CCS?
- Significant emission reductions in high-output sectors
- Integration with existing infrastructure
- Supports the production of low-carbon hydrogen
- Can complement renewable energy during intermittency
What are the limitations of CCS?
- High costs for installation and maintenance
- Energy-intensive capture and storage process
- Requires careful site monitoring to prevent leaks
Is CCS a replacement for renewable energy?
No, CCS is not an alternative to renewables. It’s a complementary technology that can work alongside wind, solar, and other clean energy solutions to reduce overall emissions.
Can CCS help achieve global climate goals?
Yes. When combined with other technologies like renewables and hydrogen, CCS can play a vital role in reducing global emissions and meeting long-term climate targets.
