Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

This technology refers to the capture of Carbon dioxide(CO₂) emissions, followed by storage in geological underground reservoirs, thereby preventing it from entering the atmosphere. CCS presents one of the most promising options for large-scale reductions in Carbon dioxide(CO₂) emission for the future. Steel plants appear as particularly suitable for carbon capture because their emissions originate from single fixed and easily accessible points and are already highly concentrated in Carbon dioxide(CO₂).

In order to capture Carbon dioxide(CO₂) from emissions created in steel plants, it first needs to be separated from the flue gases and then compressed and/or cooled and transported by a network of pipelines to be stored underground. The most viable and environmentally acceptable is geological storage. CCS in geological formations involves capturing Carbon dioxide(CO₂) and then injecting it into porous rock layers. There are three main storage options:

  • Depleted or near-depleted oil and gas fields
  • Deep saline aquifers (porous rock layers containing salty water deep underground)
  • Un-mineable coal seams

The technical feasibility of each individual element of CCS technology has been demonstrated, but the economic viability and technical integration and scale-up needed for routine industrial application will require significant research and demonstration.