Modifying Industrial Combustion

Question 1

Carbon Capture

Answer 1

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) uses technology to capture CO2 emissions from coal fired power stations and industry. Once captured the gas is compressed and then transported to a site. It is injected as a liquid, where it can be stored and prevented from entering the atmosphere.

Question 2

Predictions

Answer 2

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) uses technology to capture CO2 emissions from coal fired power stations and industry. Once captured the gas is compressed and then transported to a site. It is injected as a liquid, where it can be stored and prevented from entering the atmosphere.

Question 3

problems

Answer 3

Whilst this helps pay for the CCS technology it enhances the original problem of burning more fossil fuels. Several projects have been initiated but face long delays and cost overruns. Geo-sequestration is when CO2 is stored in deep geological formations.

CO2 is converted into a liquid known as ‘supercritical CO2’ which is injected into sedimentary rocks and thin coal seams. It is trapped by impermeable ‘cap rock’ and geochemical trapping mechanisms preventing the CO2 from escaping to the surface. It could also be stored in the oceans but that brings associated problems of ocean acidification.

Question 4

example

Answer 4

n 2014 Boundary Dam in Canada’s Saskatchewan province (built by SaskPower) was the world’s first commercial carbon capture coal-fired power plant. It aims to cut CO2 emissions by 90% by trapping CO2 underground before it reaches the atmosphere.

Saskatchewan’s state owned electricity provider expects to reduce greenhouse gas emission by approximately 1 million tonnes a year- the equivalent of 250,000 cars. CO2 will eventually be piped 66km to Weyburn oil unit and injected into an oil-bearing formation at 1,500m depth. Until that is ready the CO2 will be injected into local salt formations. The plant cost $800million to build and consumes 21% of the coal plants power output.

Question 5

evaluation

Answer 5

cost is very high

Liquid is used to pump out more oil to pay for CCS technology- exacerbates problems

Could cut up to 90% of emissions
Cost of set up and technology is high