Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage: Priorities for Development

Abstract

Climate change is a major challenge. Secure, reliable and affordable energy supplies are needed for economic growth, but increases in the associated carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are the cause of major concern. About 69% of all CO2 emissions, and 60% of all greenhouse gas emissions, are energy-related.1 Recent IEA analysis projects that the CO2 emissions attributable to the energy sector will increase by 130% by 2050 in the absence of new policies or supply constraints, largely as a result of increased fossil fuel usage.2 The 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 4th Assessment Report indicates that such a rise in emissions could lead to a temperature increase in the range of 4-7°C, with major impacts on the environment and human activity.3 It is widely agreed that a 50% reduction in energy-related CO2 emissions is needed by 2050 to limit the expected temperature increase to less than 3 degrees Celsius. To achieve this will take an energy technology revolution involving increased energy efficiency, increased renewable energies and nuclear power, and the decarbonisation of power generation from fossil fuels. The only technology available to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large-scale fossil fuel usage is CO2 capture and storage. 4 The IEA believes that CCS will need to contribute one-fifth of the necessary emissions reductions to reduce global GHG emissions by 50% by 2050 at low cost.5 CCS is therefore essential to the achievement of deep emission cuts. Most of the major world economies recognise this, and have CCS technology development programmes designed to achieve commercial deployment. At their 2008 summit in Japan, the G8 leaders * Thomas M. Kerr, J.D., LL.M., Senior Energy Analyst, International Energy Agency in Paris, France.