Guide to CO2 Capture, Sequestration, and Storage

April 28, 2009 - PRLog -- Most energy used to meet human needs is derived from the combustion of fossil fuels (natural gas, oil, and coal), which releases carbon to the atmosphere, primarily as carbon dioxide (CO2). The atmospheric concentration of CO2, a greenhouse gas, is increasing, raising concerns that solar heat will be trapped and the average surficial temperature of the Earth will rise in response. Global warming studies predict that climate changes resulting from increases in atmospheric CO2 will adversely affect life on Earth.

There has been ongoing research by the international scientific community to try to solve the problem of rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations. The concept of controlling the level of CO2 in the atmosphere is generally referred to as “carbon management”. Carbon management includes a broad portfolio of strategies to reduce carbon emissions via such methods as: carbon capture and sequestration; enhanced efficiency of power generation and use; use of low carbon fuels; and the use of renewable energy sources. Carbon sequestration research, broadly defined, is a series of research activities and process focusing on the removal of CO2 from the atmosphere. These processes may involve agricultural modifications, reforestation, or storage of anthropogenic CO2 within geologic reservoirs to reduce CO2 emissions.

Carbon dioxide sequestration is a process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and stored indefinitely. There are several methods available, some new and relatively unproven, some as (theoretically) simple as planting trees.

The first step in sequestration is carbon dioxide capture.  Numerous schemes are possible, some commercially available at present, but all with a significant cost.  An advantage of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell power generation is that the exhaust gas contains carbon dioxide and water but little else, significantly reducing carbon dioxide capture costs.  Further developments of fuel cell systems will allow separation of Carbon Dioxide as part of the power generation process.

This report on Carbon Sequestration addresses the probability of incorporating carbon sequestration (CS) as a viable market mechanism for sustainable development. The approach includes analyzing the utility of carbon sequestration projects as a mechanism for promoting sustainable forestry practices and environmental preservation, as well as addressing stakeholder interests in the implementation of these projects. The goals of this report are to provide the reader with an overview and conceptual framework of the issues and the problems associated with sequestration projects in general; and to discuss the economic and policy constraints and the challenges associated with the implementation of these projects. A related objective is to examine the methodology currently being used in this area and address the problems associated with leakages specific to forest-based carbon sequestration projects.

This report gives the reader a conceptual framework of the topic, and provides a detailed analysis of the linkages between carbon and climate change and the issues associated with the current treaties, specifically the Kyoto Protocol. Methodology is addressed through analysis of the various tools of measurement, monitoring and verification of carbon benefits. The report discusses the problem of leakage, compellance versus volunteerism, and the feasibility of the market approach to carbon sequestration. This report also examines the flaws involved with the current approach and identifies some of the early success stories.

About the Publisher: This report is published by Energy Business Reports (www.EnergyBusinessReports.com), an energy industry think tank and leading source for energy industry information and research products.   View report details:  http://www.energybusinessreports.com/shop/item.asp?itemid...

# # #

Energy Business Reports publishes cutting-edge business research and analysis reports in the global energy industry including power, oil and gas, and renewables markets.