FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Broader uses of CCS
Can CCS only be used to decarbonise electricity generation from fossil fuels?
CCS is not just a fossil fuel technology – it can also be used to abate the emissions from industrial sectors such as steel, cement and chemicals. In fact, CCS is currently the only option for the decarbonisation of the steel, chemical and cement industries.
CCS can also be applied to electricity generation from renewable fuels such as biomass. This results in negative emissions, further accelerating progress towards limiting atmospheric CO2.
The development of CCS is also crucial to a future hydrogen economy. Hydrogen produced in “pre-combustion capture” can be used to power vehicles, homes and commercial buildings. Hydrogen is a zero carbon fuel, which, combined with CCS, could also help to reduce our reliance on imported oil to run our cars by providing an alternative low-carbon fuel source.
How does CCS decarbonise heavy industry like steel and cement?
Many heavy industries are large sources of CO2. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the steel industry accounts for between 3-4% of total world greenhouse gas emissions. On average, 1.9 tonnes of carbon dioxide are emitted for every tonne of steel produced. While process efficiencies have led to reduced energy demand and a reduction in CO2 emissions, CCS is one of the best options to tackle residual emissions.
The cement sector could reduce its emissions by 18% by 2050 compared with current levels if CCS is implemented on a large scale, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
