Getting past the fossil fuel hitch: Clean energy alternatives for carbon mitigation

What is it about?

Carbon capture and storage/use (CCS/U) and synthetic direct air carbon capture and storage/use (SDACCS/U) are two effective technologies for mitigating global warming. These systems require the removal of carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions (CO2e) from their exhaust via an equipment. The equipment in turn is powered by electricity that is generated by coal or natural gas combustion. There are, however, huge investment risks of using fossil fuels to power the equipment. In this new study, the author evaluates the social costs incurred by CCS/U and SDACCS/U equipment powered by a non-renewable (natural gas) energy source and compares them with those of a renewable (wind) energy source.

Featured Image

Photo by Raychel Sanner on Unsplash

Photo by Raychel Sanner on Unsplash

Why is it important?

According to the author, CCU and SDACCSU plants reduce merely 10% and 20%–30% of the facility's overall CO2e in 20 and 100 years, respectively. Also, owing to the upstream emissions connected with natural gas, the equipment produces significant air pollution. While natural gas incurs lower health expenses than coal, it takes more electricity to run the equipment, which raises the overall social cost. The author of the study observes that wind-powered equipment, instead of the natural gas-powered one, created the same amount of pollution as the coal-fired facility, implying that pollution levels are equal regardless of the power source. Evidently, installing equipment is expensive, and no progress can be made until fossil fuel emissions are eliminated. It's worth noting that, for the same energy cost, wind turbines and solar panels both reduce CO2e while simultaneously lowering air pollution. The author suggests that substituting coal with a clean energy source such as wind can substantially cut down air pollution. Not only would this reduce emissions but will also lower the social cost. KEY TAKEAWAY: The cost and pollution associated with CCU and SDACCSU equipment can be reduced by using clean energy instead of fossil fuels. This research relates to the following Sustainable Development Goals: • SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy • SDG 13: Climate Action • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being • SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure • SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production