Up, up and away – or not?
Most efforts to curb global climate effects have focused on reducing CO2 emissions. However, CO2 sequestration may be an equally important tool given the difficulties faced in getting industries and governments on board in time to prevent irreversible and potentially catastrophic climate change. The ‘CO2, from capture to storage’ (Castor) project was initiated to provide innovative technologies for capturing post-combustion CO2 and storing it in a safe, effective and cost-efficient manner. The ambitious goals of the project were to capture and store 10 % of European CO2 emissions, corresponding to roughly 30 % of the CO2 released by power plants and industry. To this end, the researchers developed new materials, processes and equipment for post-combustion capture of CO2 resulting in less heat required for regeneration, lower power output losses and lower investment costs. In addition, via case studies of CO2 storage sites in Austria, the Mediterranean Sea, the Netherlands and the Norwegian Sea, project partners provided methodologies for selection and management of storage sites with careful consideration of safety and cost effectiveness. Finally, the investigators initiated development of an integrated strategy for capture, transport and storage options in Europe, including a focus on encouraging acceptance of the concept via detailed technical and economical analyses demonstrating excellent performance, safety and environmental motivators. In summary, the Castor project improved current methodologies for CO2 capture and sequestration and provided innovative new techniques, resulting in demonstrated significant economic and environmental benefits. Implementation of project outcomes should help get big business on board in reducing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere, with far-reaching positive impact on the European economy, health and safety and the global environment.
