Carbon Capture Technology and the Route to Commercial Reality
In an article in a Special Report in The Irish Times, Sustainable Ireland, Kevin O’Sullivan investigated carbon capture and where Ireland stands with this emerging technology.
Carbon capture processes aim to reduce CO₂ in the atmosphere by capturing it from sources like power plants and industrial facilities, or directly from the air.
The CO₂ is then compressed and either used industrially or stored underground. It has applications in “hard-to-abate” industries like cement, steel, and chemical production, and supports low-carbon hydrogen production.
The technology is stirring up much debate and has both its advocates and detractors. (See: Advantages of Direct Air Capture)
The UK government is planning on investing heavily in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCUS) – £21.7 billion – focusing on capturing CO₂ emissions and storing them under the North Sea. However, in Ireland, carbon capture is at a research and pilot project stage, with only a few companies advancing in the sector.
But Ireland has the skills and infrastructure to develop this technology – see With Direct Air Capture, We Can Reach Ireland’s CO₂ Emission Targets.
Direct Air Capture (DAC) and NEG8 Carbon’s Innovations
Direct Air Capture removes CO₂ directly from the air but is currently expensive. Irish company NEG8 Carbon has developed Ireland’s first DAC system, and has reduced DAC costs and energy usage with advanced sorbents and innovative processes.
Carbon Capture and Climate Policy
The UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report recognises carbon capture as a mitigation tool. Countries are including CCUS and DAC in climate agendas, although they are not seen as solutions on their own but as part of a broader effort that includes emissions reduction. (For more, see: Is Direct Air Capture Viable?)
Future Outlook of Carbon Capture Technology
Carbon capture may contribute to the transition to net-zero but requires significant investment, infrastructure, and regulatory clarity.
Interested in NEG8 Carbon’s CO2 capture technology?