CO₂ capture and storage (CCS)

CO₂ capture and storage could play an important role in reducing emissions from coal-fired power plants. Applying technology for capture, transport and storage of CO₂ prevents emissions to the atmosphere.

The idea is to capture CO₂ from coal-fired power plants, compress it to a liquid and permanently store it deep underground. Suitable storage sites are natural rock formations thousands of metres below the surface, which are similar to natural oil and gas reservoirs.

The concept of applying capture and storage of CO₂ to power plants is new. However, the technology already exists and it is already used in other applications:

• CO₂ is captured in industrial processes
• CO₂ is transported in pipelines over long distances by the oil and gas industry
• CO₂ is injected deep underground to enhance oil production in mature oil fields