CARBON CAPTURE IN THE POWER GENERATION INDUSTRY: ADVANCEMENTS AND SUSTAINABILITY
Author: Keshav Goela      Posted on: 10-04-23

In 2022, global energy-related CO2 emissions increased by 0.9%, or 321 Mt, reaching a new high of more than 36.8 Gt. Following two years of exceptional oscillations in energy use and emissions, was partly exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Last year’s growth was much slower than the more than 6% rebound expected in 2021. Energy combustion emissions increased by 423 Mt, while industrial processes decreased by 102 Mt.

The Power Generation industry is one of the largest sources of CO2 emissions globally, and Carbon Capture Technology is becoming an increasingly important tool for reducing the impact of these emissions on the environment.

In recent years, significant advancements have been made in Carbon Capture Technology, making it a more efficient and effective tool for reducing CO2 emissions through separation and storage. In this blog, we’ll explore the latest advancements in carbon capture technology and how it’s helping to create a more sustainable future.

Latest Advancements in Carbon Capture Technology

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Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS), or Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS) , as it is widely called, has come a long way in recent years. One of the most promising advancements is the development of Post-Combustion Carbon Capture, which involves capturing CO2 emissions from the fumes produced during power generation. This technology is being used in power plants worldwide, and it’s helping to reduce the amount of CO2 emissions released into the atmosphere.

Post-combustion carbon capture is particularly useful in the current scenario because it can be retrofitted to existing power plants, making it a more cost-effective solution for reducing CO2 emissions. Post-combustion carbon capture works through a process of using solvents to separate CO2 from other gasses produced during power generation. The separated CO2 is then compressed and stored in underground storage facilities, preventing it from being released into the atmosphere. While post-combustion carbon capture is still relatively new, it’s already being used in power plants worldwide, and it’s helping significantly reduce the amount of CO2 emissions released into the environment.

Here is an interesting blog on Post Combustion Carbon Capture & Air Pollution

Another exciting development in Carbon Capture Technology is the use of carbon capture in Desalination Plants. Did you know that desalination plants are a major source of CO2 emissions due to the significant energy required to remove salt and other minerals from seawater to create fresh drinking water?

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In the Middle East and North Africa, where clean water is a major concern, desalination plays a critical role in meeting water needs. And that’s where carbon capture comes in: It can help make this process more environmentally viable. By incorporating carbon capture into the desalination process, it’s possible to capture these emissions and store them, reducing the impact of desalination on the environment.

Desalination Plants also need a reliable CO2 supply for the Remineralization Process of the Desalinated Water – a process that balances the pH level of the water to make it suitable for drinking and agricultural purposes. By using captured FLUE gasses to produce CO2, on-site carbon capture facilities can help desalination plants obtain the needed CO2 on-site, contributing to sustainability and lowering the carbon footprint of the process. This turns out to be an attractive solution, as these on-site CO2 generation plants can be retrofitted to existing plants, leading to cost savings and a more reliable supply of CO2 for desalination plants. This approach also avoids supply chain disruptions and pricing variations from third-party vendors. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved – and for the environment.

In the long run, carbon capture technology can help desalination plants become more sustainable and contribute to a more reliable and cost-effective source of clean water for regions that need it the most.

GAS LAB offers innovative Carbon Capture & Sequestration Solutions to various industries across the globe. Talk to our experts to find out more about these solutions and how they can help your plant operations.

Sustainability Benefits of Carbon Capture

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Carbon capture technology is becoming increasingly important for companies and governments that have set NET ZERO goals – that is to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as called for in the Paris Agreement, by cutting emissions by up to 45% by 2030 and reaching NET ZERO by 2050.e:

NET ZERO aims to strike a balance between the amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced and the amount removed from the atmosphere. Companies and governments that have set NET ZERO goals are committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions as much as possible and offsetting any remaining emissions through Carbon Credits or other means.

Carbon Credits are tradable permits that represent the right to emit a certain amount of greenhouse gasses. Companies that reduce their emissions can earn carbon credits, which can then be sold to other companies to offset their emissions. Carbon credits provide a financial incentive for companies to reduce their emissions and can be an effective tool for achieving NET ZERO goals. Carbon Capture is repeatedly advocated as the best means to achieve this.

In Conclusion

Carbon capture technology can be a great resource to the power generation industry, helping to create a more sustainable future. By capturing and storing CO2 emissions, carbon capture technology is reducing the impact of power generation on the environment, making it easier for power plants to meet emissions reduction targets. Additionally, the link between carbon capture and desalination is an exciting development, and it has the potential to significantly reduce the impact of these essential processes on the environment. As we look towards a more sustainable future, carbon capture technology will likely play an increasingly important role in reducing our environmental impact.

If you’re ready to take the next step towards a cleaner, greener future, call GAS LAB today. Our team of experts will be happy to answer any questions you may have and help you explore the possibilities of carbon capture technology for your plant.

Don’t wait – call GAS LAB today and join the fight against climate change !