Title: Carbon Capture and Storage Technology for Sustainable Energy
Abstract: IntroductionCarbon capture and storage (CCS) is amongst the range of energy technology strategies for addressing concerns of increasing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and achieving sustainable energy from fossil fuel use.In the long run its potential to reduce CO 2 concentrations is second to the contribution expected from energy efficiency improvement (ETA, 2008).The main focus of this chapter is to describe the processes and techniques of CCS technology as well as challenges and policy concerns.Large-scale deployment of CCS however, raises issues of permanency and safety of storage.Consequently, enormous research efforts are directed worldwide in testing its efficacy.Results are summarized in the Indian context from the International Workshop on R&D Challenges in Carbon Capture and Storage Technology. The CCS technologyCarbon dioxide is most prominent natural and biogenic greenhouse gas that trap heat in the atmosphere.Its presence at a concentration of 0.03 per cent by volume in the atmosphere is critical in maintaining the planet earth at a temperature suitable for human beings.A natural carbon balance is maintained through 'carbon cycle' in the earth system.It involves exchanges of carbon dioxide in the Atmosphere with the Hydrosphere, Biosphere and Lithosphere.Post industrialization long-term increase in carbon dioxide content in the air is seen to be of the order of 30% since 1850, increasing from 280 ppm to 374 ppm in 2005.As the concentration of CO 2 in the atmosphere is building-up, natural carbon cycle is getting disturbed and global warming is being caused.Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) provides evidence that the average earth's temperature has risen by 0.74°C, in 2005 from what it was in 1906.The rising concentrations of CO 2 are mainly ascribed to the use of fossil fuels -coal, oil and gas for energy production and consumption.Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is amongst the range of energy technology strategies for addressing concerns of increasing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere and achieving sustainable energy from fossil fuel use.The CO 2 sequestration -Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), may be subdivided into three systems. •CO 2 capture and compression system.This system may also comprise conditioning units for transport www.intechopen.com