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CCS

The analysis in Energy Technology Perspectives 2008 (ETP) projects that energy sector CO₂emissions will increase by 130% by 2050 in the absence of new policies or supply constraints as a result of increased fossil fuel usage. Addressing this increase will require an energy technology revolution involving a portfolio of solutions: greater energy efficiency, increased renewable energies and nuclear power, and the near-decarbonisation of fossil fuel-based power generation.

The only technology available to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from large-scale fossil fuel usage is carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS). The ETP BLUE Map scenario, which assessed strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by half in 2050, concluded that CCS will need to contribute one-fifth of the necessary emissions reductions in 2050 to achieve stabilisation in the most cost-effective manner.

Key Messages

  • CCS is an important part of the lowest cost GHG mitigation portfolio. This roadmap envisions 100 projects globally by 2020 and over 3000 projects in 2050
  • This roadmap requires a total investment of over USD 5 trillion between 2010-50; this is about 6% of the overall investment needed to achieve a 50% reduction in GHG emissions in 2050
  • The developed world must lead in the next decade, but CCS technology must spread rapidly to the rest of the world. This will require expanded international collaboration and financing for CCS demonstration in developing countries at an average annual level of USD 2-4 billion between 2010-20
  • CCS is more than a strategy for "clean coal". CCS technology must be adopted by biomass and gas power plants, in the fuel transformation and gas processing sectors, and in emissions-intensive sectors like cement, iron & steel and chemicals manufacturing
  • The milestones in this roadmap will only be achievable via national policy action and expanded international collaboration. New efforts to provide developing country knowledge/technology transfer are needed. Industry sectors with a global reach should also expand their CCS collaborative efforts