Energy Outlook

By: Jacob Kim

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is often criticized for supporting fossil fuel use, but it is one of the few viable options to decarbonize certain industrial sectors, particularly those that produce significant CO2 emissions as a byproduct of their processes. A new CCS prioritization ladder for the United States identifies industries where CCS should be applied based on several criteria, such as CO2 mitigation potential, availability of alternative technologies, and regional factors. Key industries like cement, lime, and ammonia rank as top priorities for CCS, as their process emissions are difficult to eliminate without it. Other sectors like refineries, glass, and BTX (benzene, toluene, and xylene) also benefit from CCS in specific timeframes, with some sectors seeing a shift toward alternative decarbonization methods as new technologies mature. The use of hydrogen, electrification, and sustainable biomass are highlighted as critical alternatives for certain sectors, but CCS remains a crucial bridge for decarbonizing industries with high emissions, such as iron and steel, refining, and petrochemicals.

The future of CCS in industrial decarbonization holds significant promise, especially for sectors like cement and lime where emissions from chemical processes are unavoidable with today’s technologies. As the world moves toward aggressive carbon reduction targets, CCS will be an essential tool to decarbonize industries that cannot easily switch to renewable energy or hydrogen. The CCS prioritization ladder provides a clear roadmap for where this technology can make the biggest impact in the near and long term, particularly for sectors with limited alternatives.

However, it’s important to recognize that CCS is not a permanent solution for all industries. Over time, emerging technologies like green hydrogen and electrification will likely play a larger role, allowing some sectors to phase out reliance on CCS. For now, though, CCS offers a practical pathway to achieving substantial CO2 reductions in industries where full decarbonization remains technologically distant. Policymakers should focus on supporting CCS in the short term, while continuing to invest in research and development of alternative technologies for industries that may eventually outgrow the need for CCS.

The broader implications for climate change mitigation are substantial. By using CCS in high-priority sectors, the U.S. can significantly cut industrial emissions while waiting for new technologies to mature. In the long run, a combination of CCS, hydrogen, and renewable energy will likely be required to fully decarbonize industrial processes. This balanced approach could enable industries to meet ambitious net-zero targets without sacrificing productivity or economic stability.

Sources

https://kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/commentary/blog/u-s-ccs-ladder-for-industrial-decarbonization/