Carbon Capture Technologies

Carbon Capture Technologies Carbon emissions, the increase of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, rising environmental pollution, and deforestation have left our world in a serious climate crisis. The climate crisis resulting from climate change manifests itself through shifting seasons, extreme droughts, rising ocean and sea water levels, ecosystem degradation, melting glaciers, temperature increases, and extreme weather events. Scientists point out that without serious measures being taken within the coming years regarding this situation, which poses a major threat to the world, it could lead to serious consequences, and that this situation poses a major threat to living organisms. In this context, scientists also share that changes to be made especially in industry will have significant impacts, and that studies and research are being conducted for these changes. As a result of studies conducted by scientists, according to the emerging picture, we need to reach net zero in carbon emissions by 2050 to protect ourselves from the possible consequences of the climate crisis. In other words, we need to balance the ratio of carbon dioxide we release and dispose of in the atmosphere by 2050. When the shared "Global Climate Report" is examined, it has been seen that as greenhouse gas emissions increase, the temperature in the atmosphere also rises. For this reason, the past 8 years have been the 8 hottest years on Earth. Scientists working on carbon emissions have developed carbon capture technology, and it is believed that this technology will play an important role in combating climate change.

How Carbon Capture Technologies Work

When it comes to carbon capture, two types of methods emerge. The first is natural carbon capture, that is, biological carbon capture. This refers to capturing carbon dioxide through natural formations such as forests and oceans. The other is artificial carbon capture, and here technologies come into play. Artificial carbon capture technologies are mostly used in factories, and these technologies are utilized in capturing carbon dioxide released in industrial facilities and similar places. Carbon capture technologies have been in use since the 1970s, but until this year, these technologies, which have shown considerable development, can be used in a much more beneficial way compared to those years. When it comes to explaining how carbon capture technology works, this technology is mostly used in power plants. Looking at the process here, carbon gases go to a gas absorption tower, and here carbon dioxide is absorbed by a solvent. Then, as the solvent is released, carbon dioxide is stored. To elaborate further, first carbon dioxide is separated from other gases, and subsequently compressed and transported by pipelines, road transport, or ships to a storage site. Finally, carbon dioxide is sent to rock formations deep underground for permanent storage and is stored in these rock formations. These technologies can be examined in three categories. The first of these is post-combustion capture systems. Here, a solvent must be used to capture carbon dioxide, and carbon dioxide is stored in rocks in the manner we described above. This technology is mostly used to capture carbon dioxide resulting from the burning of fossil fuels. In the second category, carbon is captured before synthesis is burned again. Here, either physical or chemical absorption methods can be used, and it is separated and stored using this method. Finally, the primary fuel is burned with oxide rather than air. In this case, different methods are needed to capture carbon dioxide.

Clean Energy and Carbon Capture Technologies

Looking at scientists' views on carbon capture technologies; some scientists argue that rather than expanding the use of these technologies, the use of clean energy should be increased. Some scientists supporting this view share that the use of these technologies also increases fossil fuel consumption. However, the majority points out that fossil fuel consumption continues today, and that these technologies are successful in capturing the carbon dioxide resulting from the use of these fuels. Clean energy use is certainly very important for preventing climate crisis and sustainability. Until clean energy use increases, it is supported by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report that these technologies should be used. Some scientists who argue that carbon capture technologies are beneficial also emphasize that in some countries there are no regulations encouraging clean energy use. At this point, the way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from facilities in these countries is through these technologies. Another issue is how captured and stored carbon dioxide can be utilized. There are also studies conducted on this point. For example, scientists are conducting studies on whether CO2 can be used as raw material for food and animal feed, fertilizers, fuels, and construction, and if so, what consequences it would produce. To combat climate crisis by setting targets and in international meetings, carbon capture systems that have actually been used for years but are developing with technology have begun discussion, and incentive programs for these systems have also started. Expensive carbon capture technologies have support programs and incentives in many countries.

Conclusion

Carbon capture technologies can play an important role in reducing the rate of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere in today's world where fossil fuels are still being used. At this point, although the use of fossil fuels should be reduced, as most scientists also point out, the transition to clean energy requires a process. During this process, these technologies can be utilized to keep the carbon dioxide rate low. In other words, both the use of these technologies and the transition process to clean energy are very important for climate crisis. Carbon capture technologies, which research continues to be conducted on, are also thought to be an important aid in reaching carbon net zero by 2050. Sources: Türkiye Çimento Sanayicileri Birliği (turkcimento.org.tr) Carbon Capture and Storage Promises and Their Validity | Heinrich Böll Stiftung | Niwêneriya Tirkiyeyê (boell.org) Climate crisis: What is carbon capture technology and can it save the world? - BBC News Türkçe SOCAR Türkiye Compiled by: Nilsu Kotil