UN's Climate Science Chief Compares Carbon Capture Technology to 'Pushing Water Uphill'

Challenges of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

The head of the U.N.'s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Jim Skea, has expressed concerns about the scalability of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. He likened the process to "trying to push water uphill" and emphasized the significant challenges that lie ahead in its large-scale implementation. CCS encompasses various technologies aimed at capturing carbon dioxide from high-emitting activities, but its expansion is hindered by complex engineering obstacles.

The Nature of CCS

CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide from sources like power generation and industrial facilities, compressing it, and transporting it for various applications or underground storage. Despite its potential in contributing to global energy and climate objectives, there are doubts about CCS being a definitive solution. Skea highlighted the contrasting nature of CCS with modular and small-scale technologies like solar energy, which can seamlessly integrate into the system once a threshold is met.

The Business and Policy Challenges

Skea emphasized the necessity of addressing the business models and policy framework surrounding CCS, emphasizing that it should be viewed as just one part of decarbonization plans. While it has a role to play, it is not a comprehensive solution in itself.

Global Adoption and Industry Stance

CCS is heavily featured in the climate plans of numerous world governments and major oil and gas companies. The COP28 climate conference saw nearly 200 countries resolve to "transition away" from fossil fuels, with CCS being considered alongside renewables as a viable technology for this shift. Shell's Chief Economist, Mallika Ishwaran, stressed the imperative of reinvigorating CCS investment, acknowledging the slow progress of the technology's commercialization despite decades of development.

The Role of CCS in Achieving Net Zero

While some voices have questioned the efficacy of CCS as a solution to climate change, there is consensus that it holds value in removing harmful elements from the atmosphere. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has called for increased investment in clean energy, urging the oil and gas industry to let go of the "illusion" that CCS is a standalone answer to climate change. This has sparked debates within the industry, with OPEC Secretary-General Haitham al-Ghais rebuffing the IEA's assertions and defending the oil and gas sector.