The Need
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology is a critical component in the battle to slow stop and reverse the growth of CO2 emissions. Deployment of cost-effective CCS is necessary to promote energy independence and to minimize price pressures on domestic natural gas.
The Federal Government should promote a “holistic” approach to CCS, including coal to chemicals and CO2 to chemicals processes.
As with any energy and climate change innovation, there are hurdles to overcome for CCS to be commercially and technically successful. These hurdles include capital costs, efficiency penalties, thermodynamics and liability issues.
For CCS to be part of the climate change solution, the U.S. needs to implement a “putting CO2 to work” strategy that includes enhanced oil recovery, and coal bed methane recovery. Additionally, the utilization of hydrogen produced from nuclear and renewable energy sources, should be explored as a means to avoid production of CO2 in the conversion of coal and biomass into fuels and useful chemical feedstocks.
Solutions
The federal government can help expedite the implementation of CCS in the U.S. through the following initiatives:
- Assume management of liability issues
- Provide sufficient incentives to encourage rapid deployment of cost-effective CCS.
- Provide financial incentives and support for R&D efforts for CCS and CO2 utilization.
- Conduct RD&D on the use of hydrogen to convert CO2 derived from coal to a useful chemical feedstock.
