The South African Centre for Carbon Capture and Storage Delivering CCS in the Developing World

Abstract

South Africa will require a portfolio of technologies to meet its climate change goals. Within this portfolio, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is of particular importance as the only technology to mitigate CO2 emissions from large-scale fossil fuel usage in fuel transformation, industry and power generation.Since 2009, the South African Centre for Carbon Capture and Storage (SACCCS) has been investigating the technical feasibility of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in South Africa. The South African CCS Roadmap, which was endorsed by the Cabinet of South Africa on the 4th May 2012, provides the overarching direction for the work of SACCCS. The key milestones of the South African CCS Roadmap are as follows:2004Assessment of the potential for CCS in South Africa2010Development of a South African CO2 geological storage atlas2017Commencement of a CO2 Test Injection Project (10,000 - 50,000tCO2 stored)2020Facilitate the commencement of a CCS demonstration plant (in the order of 100,000tCO2/year)2025+Inform the implementation of commercial CCS deployment (over 1,000,000tCO2/year)OngoingProvide support to other CCS activities in South AfricaThe 2010 Atlas on geological storage of CO2 in South Africa identified Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Eastern Cape as the regions with the most potential for safe and secure CO2 storage. SACCCS is now planning further exploration of this potential. Exploration will involve establishing the geological suitability of the regions and will be supported by environmental assessments and engagement with all relevant stakeholders. Only if this exploration is successful and an appropriate site is identified, SACCCS will develop a CO2 Test Injection Project to further evaluate and build experience around the technology in a South African context. The Test Injection Project will enable South Africa to better understand the role of CCS in reducing CO2 emissions and meeting the challenges of climate change.