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Understanding Carbon Capture and CCUS

What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS)

Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) refers to the capture of carbon dioxide (CO₂), generally from sources such as power generation or industrial facilities that use either fossil fuels or biomass. CO₂ can also be captured directly from the air. When not used onsite, captured CO₂ can be compressed and transported by pipeline, ship, rail, or truck to be used in a range of applications, or injected into deep geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs or saline aquifers. 

Understanding the CCUS Value Chain

CCUS is a key pathway for reducing CO₂ emissions. From capturing carbon dioxide to transporting, using, or storing it, each step in the process plays an important role in supporting a more sustainable future.

Scroll down to explore each stage of the CCUS value chain and understand how they work together to make carbon management possible.

CO₂ Emissions: The Main Driver of Global Warming

CO₂ emissions are driving global warming, with human activity far exceeding the planet’s absorption capacity. According to the IPCC, the major sources of CO₂ emissions include electricity and heat production (34%), industry (24%), agriculture and land use (22%), transportation (15%), and buildings (6%)—all heavily reliant on fossil fuels. CCUS is essential for reducing emissions and mitigating climate change.

Capture: The First Step in Reducing Emissions

The CCUS process starts with capturing CO₂ from point sources or the air using methods like pre-combustion, post-combustion, oxy-fuel combustion, or direct air capture. Once captured, CO₂ is compressed for transport.

An effective carbon capture solution must be efficient, scalable, and cost-effective, seamlessly integrating into existing infrastructure. Atoco’s carbon capture modules leverage reticular materials to enable highly efficient, scalable CO₂ capture for both PCC and DAC applications, even at low concentrations.

Transport: Moving Captured CO₂ to the Next Destination

After capture, the CO₂ must be transported to a suitable storage site. This is typically done through pipelines, but it can also be transported by ships or trucks, depending on the distance and geographical constraints. The transportation infrastructure must ensure the safe and efficient delivery of CO₂ minimizing the risk of leaks or other environmental hazards.

Storage: Storing CO₂ for long-term removal

Long-term storage of CO₂ – onshore or offshore – in geological formations ensures it is kept out of the atmosphere, contributing to sustained carbon reduction.

Use: Turning Captured CO₂ into Valuable Resources

Captured CO₂ can be converted into useful products such as fuels, building materials, or chemicals, supporting a circular economy for carbon.

The importance of CCUS in combating climate change

Climate change, driven primarily by the increase in greenhouse gases like CO₂, is one of the most significant challenges of our time. To limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, significant reductions in CO₂ emissions are essential. While renewable energy sources and energy efficiency are critical components of this effort, they may not be sufficient on their own.  

 

CCUS provides a complementary solution, particularly for industries where emissions are hard to reduce, such as cement, steel, and chemical manufacturing. By capturing and storing (or using) CO₂, CCUS significantly reduces the overall carbon footprint, supporting the transition to a sustainable energy future.

Barriers to CCUS adoption

While CCUS technologies are progressing, current capacity falls far short of the 1.2 gigatons required by 2050 under the IEA’s Net Zero Emissions (NZE) scenario. Addressing the following challenges is critical for widespread adoption: 

 

High Costs

Implementing and operating CCUS remains costly today, with the capture phase being the costliest component. In industries with low-CO₂ flue streams, the carbon capture stage accounts for 45–65% of total costs, and in DAC applications, it rises to 80–90% or more. Reducing these costs is essential to make CCUS viable at scale. 

 

Scaling

Expanding CCUS from pilot projects to large-scale, commercially viable systems is a major hurdle. Modular, scalable solutions are vital to bridge this gap and support widespread implementation. 

 

Other challenges, such as regulatory inconsistencies and public skepticism, can be addressed through policy alignment and education initiatives. 

 

Atoco’s Carbon Capture Solutions

Atoco is addressing this challenge with solid-state carbon capture modules designed using advanced reticular materials.

At the core of this innovation are novel adsorbent reticular materials – such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs) – nano-engineered with atomic precision to achieve a delicate balance between CO₂ selectivity and bonding strength.

This innovation ensures effective CO₂ capture and release while minimizing energy demands, significantly improving operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Our solid-state CO₂ capture modules can be deployed for Post-Combustion Carbon Capture (PCC) and Direct Air Capture (DAC) applications.

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Eco-friendly Carbon Capture Module in a green park setting, labeled 'Powered by Atoco,' representing sustainable energy solutions and clean technology infrastructure.