2 / 60
Why we need research on CCS
Global warming is largely caused by carbon dioxide (CO
2
) emissions from
the use of fossil fuels. To avoid unacceptable climate change, the global
average temperature rise must be limited to two degrees relative to pre-
industrial times. On the other hand it is predicted that the world’s energy
consumption will grow by 56 per cent between 2010 and 2040. The world
will continue to use fossil fuels for many years to come, after all 85 per
cent of the primary energy use in the world is fossil energy
.*
Fortunately, there are several things we can do to reduce the emissions,
these are after all caused by human activity. A much worse case would be global warming caused by
completely uncontrollable factors.
Carbon capture, transport and storage (CCS) is a technology that prevents large amounts of carbon
dioxide from fossil fuels entering the atmosphere.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), CO
2
capture, transport and storage is the third
most important measure to limit global warming by two degrees.
The technology involves capturing CO
2
produced from fossil fuels, compressing it for transportation
and then injecting it deep into underground formations at carefully selected and safe sites, where it
is permanently stored and isolated from entering the atmosphere.
CCS is already happening today. But we still need more research and innovation to make CCS realise
its potential. This is what BIGCCS is contributing to every day.
Chairman of the Board
Dr. Nils Røkke
*
Source: Climate Change 2014: Mitigation of Climate Change,
IPCC WGIII US Energy Information Administration International
Energy Outlook 2013 (IEO2013)