CARBON CAPTURE
Carbon Capture Technologies: An Innovative Approach to Combating Climate Change
​
The excessive accumulation of carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) in the atmosphere is one of the primary contributors to climate change, posing a significant threat to ecosystems and the Earth's biological balance. As the global need to reduce carbon footprints intensifies, the development and adoption of carbon capture technologies have become essential for promoting environmental sustainability.
​
COâ‚‚ can be removed from the atmosphere or industrial sources through two main methods: direct capture, which involves extracting COâ‚‚ directly from the air, and indirect capture, which focuses on capturing emissions at their source before they reach the atmosphere. These strategies are integral to global efforts aimed at reducing greenhouse gas concentrations and mitigating climate change impacts.
​
Carbon capture technologies are generally classified into three main types:
​
* Pre-combustion Capture: In this process, fossil fuels are converted into a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide before combustion, enabling efficient COâ‚‚ separation.
* Post-combustion Capture: This widely used technique captures COâ‚‚ from exhaust gases generated by fossil fuel combustion, making it a viable solution for integration with existing infrastructure.
* Oxy-fuel Combustion Capture: This method involves burning fuel in an oxygen-rich environment instead of air, producing an exhaust stream primarily composed of COâ‚‚ and water vapor, which facilitates easier separation and capture.
These technologies serve as a cornerstone in the pursuit of carbon neutrality and the reduction of environmental impacts caused by industrial activities. Continuous advancements in this field, coupled with supportive policies and strategic investments, will play a crucial role in accelerating the transition toward a more sustainable, carbon-free future.
The schematic representation below illustrates these technologies and their various applications.
