What Is CCS?

Carbon sequestration is the capture, from power plants and other facilities, and storage of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases that would otherwise be emitted to the atmosphere. The gases can be captured at the point of emission and can be stored in underground reservoirs (geological sequestration), injected in deep oceans (ocean sequestration), or converted to rock-like solid materials (advanced concepts). CO₂ can also be converted into beneficial byproducts and materials that will mitigate greenhouse gas emissions while helping to create value for CO₂. Some of the applicable approaches are conversion of CO₂ into fuels, chemicals, and polycarbonate plastics; storage of CO₂ in solid materials having economic value; indirect storage of CO₂; conversion using algae or other organisms; and other breakthrough concepts. The key motivator for CO₂ reuse is the potential for conversion into some other useful, high-value product (i.e., oil, gas, and water) that can be sold with revenues used to offset the economic penalties of implementing carbon capture.

Fossil fuels will remain the mainstay of energy production well into the 21st century. The availability of these fuels to provide clean, affordable energy is essential for global prosperity and security. However, unless energy systems significantly reduce the carbon emissions to the atmosphere, increased atmospheric concentrations of CO₂ due to carbon emissions are expected.

To stabilize and ultimately reduce concentrations of CO₂, it will be necessary to capture, separate, and store or reuse CO₂. Carbon sequestration, along with reduced carbon content of fuels and improved efficiency of energy production and use, must play a major role if the world is to continue using fossil fuels as a key energy source.

CSLF inFocus Papers on Carbon Capture and Storage Technology    

The Carbon Sequestration Leadership Forum (CSLF) has developed a series of short educational papers (1–6 pages in length) answering some of the most common questions surrounding carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

• What is Carbon Utilization?
• What is Capacity Building? 
• Why Carbon Capture and Storage? 
• Is Geologic CO₂ Storage Safe?
• Underground CO₂ Storage: A Reality? 
• CO₂ Capture: Does it Work? 
• CO₂ Transportation: Is it Safe and Reliable? 
• 10 Facts About CCS

Additional Introductory Information about CCS

• CCS Fact Sheet - Carbon Capture 
• CCS Fact Sheet - CCS and the Environment 
• CCS Fact Sheet - CO₂ Monitoring, Verification, and Accounting
• Glossary of CCS-related Terms
• Frequently Asked Questions about CCS

Policy & Technology Updates

• CCS Policy and Technology Updates: Browse our carefully focused list of notable reports and analyses related to CCS policy and technology.