Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions, are represented by a set of technological solutions, supported by methods, measures, implementations and policies, intended to capture and block carbon dioxide (CO₂), before it is released into the atmosphere. The CCUS approach must be applied to industrial processes, cement factories in particular, electricity production plants and to direct air capture, according to the IEA roadmap (Net Zero by 2050 – Analysis – IEA).

The CO₂ is the carbon-carrying molecule responsible for the greenhouse effect (GHG) and climate change issues. CO₂ emissions account for 82% of global warming, and CCUS solutions seek to permanently block it underground or in other suitable means or allocate it for reuse purposes in industrial cycles with a broad-spectrum environmental, human health, and financial positive impact.

Following recently initiatives at European level, of which the Coreu project (coordinated by Sintef, and in which Domina Next is WP6 leader) is an integral part aiming to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future, we would like to explore this topic with you by evaluating the new solutions provided to satisfy the European Commission statement that says:

"Reducing emissions is not enough. To achieve our climate ambitions, we will also need to capture, utilise, and store carbon."

CCUS is a three-step process, involving:

1. Capture the carbon dioxide
   The CO₂ is separated from other gases produced in industrial processes, such as those at coal and natural-gas-fired power generation plants, or steel and cement factories.
   
   
2. Transport the carbon dioxide
   The CO₂ is then compressed and transported via pipelines, road transport, or ships to a site for utilisation or storage.
   
   
3. Utilise the carbon dioxide
   The CO₂ is re-used in industrial processes by converting it into plastics, concrete or biofuel.
   
   
4. Storage the carbon dioxide
   The CO₂ is injected into geological formations deep underground for permanent storage.

The European Union aims to be climate neutral by 2050, reaching an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions to meet the expectations of the European Green Deal.

Carbon neutrality means having a net-zero carbon footprint, by balancing a measured amount of carbon released in the environment with an equivalent amount sequestered or offset.

1. Therefore, carbon neutrality will require rapid deployment of CCUS technologies, which represent one of the key solutions to achieve the net-zero emissions goals. However, as with all new solutions, there are several economic, environmental, and social challenges that must be overcome to take full advantage of this approach:
   
   
2. Fossil fuels are likely to continue to play an important role in the short and medium term. To date, 80% of the energy mix is fossil fuel based. Many countries across Europe benefit from fossil fuel energy. Coal, oil, and gas remain vital for their energy security and economic well-being.
   
   
3. The carbon capture process may require a large amount of energy. The exact amount depends on the size and scale of the carbon capture unit, and on the concentration of CO₂ in the gas, as well as on the pressure of the gas, that can be up to several megawatts (MW). This additional energy would come from the national grid, becoming necessary to consider the capabilities of the grid and the impacts on other users.
   
   
4. Moreover, the carbon capture process may require significant volumes of water, for the carbon capture process and for the cooling of flue gases and further chilling to meet CO₂ export specifications of 20°C. This challenge has a similar impact of the energy consumption issue.
   
   
5. The CO₂, once captured, needs to be handled and then transported, creating different best practice procedures on the base of volumes: smaller volumes may be transported in specialised tanks and transported via the rail/road network, while larger volumes of CO₂ usually involves transportation by pipeline, being the most efficient method, but associated environmental impacts must be identify, taken into consideration, and kept under control as far as possible, to achieve the maximum benefits with minimal compromises.

Until innovative low- or zero-carbon technologies are developed, implemented and economically affordable, the only means, with a positive impact for the health of humanity and environment, and for the economic competitiveness of the European economies, remains the adoption of CCUS solutions.

COREu is the largest research and innovation project in the field of carbon capture and storage (CCS) funded by a European programme with the aim of accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future by aiming more specifically for a reduction of 6.8 Mt/year of CO2 by 2035 and 36 Mt/year by 2050.

The project, with over 40 partner companies, will aim to develop new demonstration projects linking CO2 sources with potential storage sites. The development of regional CCUS clusters and their connection to European transport and CO2 storage infrastructures enabling cross-border cooperation between regions is crucial for achieving net greenhouse gas emissions zero by 2050.

Read the Coreu project page for more information