Industrial sectors such as cement, iron, steel, and chemicals are responsible for approximately 20% of global CO₂ emissions, making them some of the most challenging to decarbonize. These industries not only consume significant energy but also produce substantial emissions through inherent chemical processes. For instance, in cement manufacturing, about half of the CO₂ emissions result from the decomposition of limestone into lime and CO₂.
A promising solution to mitigate these emissions is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), a technology designed to capture up to 90-99% of CO₂ emissions from industrial facilities and securely store them underground. CCS addresses both energy-related and process emissions, offering a viable pathway for these hard-to-abate sectors to reduce their carbon footprint.
CCS in the Cement Industry
The cement industry is a significant contributor to global CO₂ emissions, accounting for around 8% of the total.
Implementing CCS in cement production can capture a substantial portion of these emissions, addressing both the CO₂ released from fuel combustion and the chemical processes involved. Research from MIT suggests that cement-based products can act as natural carbon sinks through carbonation, sequestering CO₂ from the air and storing it permanently.
This dual approach of capturing emissions during production and sequestering CO₂ post-production enhances the potential of CCS in the cement industry.
CCS in the Iron and Steel Industry
The iron and steel sectors are among the largest industrial sources of CO₂ emissions due to the carbon-intensive nature of steel production. Implementing CCS in these industries can capture emissions arising from both energy use and the reduction of iron ore in steelmaking. Alternative methods, such as using hydrogen as a reducing agent, are also being explored to eliminate CO₂ emissions in steel production.
Economic and Environmental Impacts of CCS Deployment
A study published in the journal Applied Energy by researchers from the MIT Joint Program on the Science and Policy of Global Change, the MIT Energy Initiative, and ExxonMobil utilized the MIT Economic Projection and Policy Analysis (EPPA) model to evaluate the long-term economic and environmental impacts of deploying CCS in these industries. The findings indicate that with appropriate climate policies, CCS can enable continued growth in the production of energy-intensive goods while achieving significant reductions in global and sectoral CO₂ emissions.
Global Initiatives and Partnerships Promoting CCS
Recent developments highlight the growing commitment to CCS as a strategy for reducing industrial carbon emissions. For instance, Baker Hughes and Frontier Infrastructure have entered a partnership to advance large-scale CCS and power solutions in the United States. This collaboration focuses on developing the Sweetwater Carbon Storage Hub in Wyoming, integrating advanced technologies to meet the rising power demand while mitigating CO₂ emissions.
In Europe, the EU has unveiled a "clean industrial deal" aimed at aiding high-emission industries, such as steel and cement, in transitioning to net-zero emissions. The plan includes boosting clean tech companies, reducing energy bills, and relaxing environmental reporting requirements for small and medium-sized enterprises. This initiative underscores the critical role of CCS in achieving deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions within these challenging industrial sectors.
Conclusion
CCS emerges as a pivotal technology in the quest to decarbonize heavy industries. Its ability to effectively capture and store CO₂ emissions positions it as an essential component in the global strategy to mitigate climate change and transition towards a more sustainable industrial landscape. By integrating CCS technologies, industries like cement and steel can continue to operate and meet global demand while aligning with international climate goals.