The role of CO2 capture and sequestration in mitigation of climate change

Increasing atmospheric level of greenhouse gases are causing global warming and putting at risk the global climate system. The main anthropogenic greenhouse gas is CO2. Technical solutions exist to reduce CO2 emission and stabilise atmospheric CO2 concentration, including energy saving and energy efficiency, switch to lower carbon content fuels like natural gas and to energy sources that operate with zero CO2 emissions such as renewable or nuclear energy, enhance the natural sinks for CO2 (forests, soils, etc.), and last but not least, sequester CO2 from fossil fuels combustion. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the technology and cost for capture and storage of CO2. Some of the factors that will influence application, including environmental impact, cost and efficiency, are also discussed. Capturing CO2 and storing it in underground geological reservoirs appears as the best environmentally acceptable option. It can be done with existing technology; however, substantial R&D is needed to improve available technology and to lower the cost. Applicable to large CO2 emitting industrial facilities such as power plants, cement factories, steel industry, etc., which amount to more than 30% of the global anthropogenic CO2 emission, it represents a valuable tool in the battle against global warming. To cite this article: P. Jean-Baptiste, R. Ducroux, C. R. Geoscience 335 (2003). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]