The outlook for improved carbon capture technology

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is widely seen as a critical technology for reducing atmospheric emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from power plants and other large industrial facilities, which are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions linked to global climate change. However, the high cost and energy requirements of current CO2 capture processes are major barriers to their use. This paper assesses the outlook for improved, lower-cost technologies for each of the three major approaches to CO2 capture, namely, post-combustion, pre-combustion and oxy-combustion capture. The advantages and limitations of each of method are discussed, along with the current status of projects and processes at various stages in the development cycle. We then review a variety of roadmaps developed by governmental and private-sector organizations to project the commercial roll-out and deployment of advanced capture technologies. For perspective, we also review recent experience with R&D programs to develop lower-cost technologies for SO2 and NOx capture at coal-fired power plants. For perspective on projected cost reductions for CO2 capture we further review past experience in cost trends for SO2 and NOx capture systems. The key insight for improved carbon capture technology is that achieving significant cost reductions will require not only a vigorous and sustained level of research and development (R&D), but also a substantial level of commercial deployment, which, in turn, requires a significant market for CO2 capture technologies. At present such a market does not yet exist. While various incentive programs can accelerate the development and deployment of improved CO2 capture systems, government actions that significantly limit CO2 emissions to the atmosphere ultimately are needed to realize substantial and sustained reductions in the future cost of CO2 capture. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.