Carbon capture and storage
Most climate change scenarios recognise that carbon capture and storage (CCS) is essential for decarbonisation and for society to meet the Paris Agreement targets. In Shell, we have a large community working on CCS, explore to learn more about CCS at Shell.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is the capture of CO2 to use it or store it underground. We believe that CCS will be an essential lever in helping society to achieve net-zero emissions targets.
Shell’s target is to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050, in step with society, and we know that our business plans need to change to make this happen. Our priority is to avoid emissions, for example by adopting solutions that are emissions-free when used. When this isn’t possible, we work to reduce emissions, for example by making use of lower-carbon fuels and technologies like CCS. If it is not possible to either avoid or reduce emissions, we will we turn to the mitigation of emissions, such as using carbon credits.
Capturing and permanently storing carbon is an option that’s available now. It can help us reduce the amount of CO2 entering the atmosphere and even be used to remove CO2 already in the atmosphere, something that is critical for achieving net-zero emissions.
1. Capture
Post-combustion capture separates CO₂ from other gases before they are emitted, usually using a chemical solvent. The captured CO₂ is then separated from the solvent, compressed, and made ready for transport.
2. Transport
CO₂ is generally pumped through a pipeline - but can also be transported by ship, rail or truck – from the industrial site where it has been captured to its storage site, which may be onshore or offshore.
3. Storage
CO₂ is injected deep underground into the microscopic spaces in porous rocks. One or more layers of impermeable rock, called cap rock, lying above the porous rocks forms a seal that ensures that the CO₂ remains there permanently.
4. Measuring, monitoring and verification
…In addition, a number of monitoring technologies can be incorporated within the geosphere, biosphere and atmosphere surrounding the storage site to confirm and assure the CO₂ is permanently stored.