Q14.What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change?

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is a critical technology suite that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from large point sources or the atmosphere, processes it for use, or stores it permanently.

Capture methods include pre-combustion, post-combustion from industrial emissions, and Direct Air Capture (DAC). Utilization converts CO2 into useful products like fuels, chemicals, or building materials, and is also employed in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR). Storage involves injecting CO2 into deep geological formations such as saline aquifers or depleted oil/gas fields for permanent sequestration.

• Mitigates emissions from hard-to-abate industrial sectors (e.g., cement, steel, chemicals) and power generation, where electrification is challenging.
• Enables negative emissions when combined with bioenergy (BECCS) or Direct Air Capture (DACCS), actively removing atmospheric CO2.

Therefore, CCUS is indispensable for achieving global net-zero targets and combating climate change effectively.