In a recent webinar, Marie Bysveen, the coordinator of EERA - The European Energy Research Alliance's Joint Programme on Carbon Capture and Storage (EERA CCS), offered a glimpse into the future of CO₂ capture. The key takeaway? We're on the brink of a significant increase in CO₂ capture capacity, set to unfold over the next decade.

Boosting CO₂ Capture by 2030: The Role of Hydrogen and Capture Clusters

Predictions indicate a considerable rise in CO₂ capture capacity by 2030, primarily powered by the manufacture of low-carbon hydrogen through CCS. "Capture clusters" emerge as a promising development, providing opportunities for risk sharing and cost reduction.

Tailoring CO₂ Capture: Technology Selection and Business Case Development

Diferent energy and industrial sectors have distinctive characteristics that affect their CO₂ capture choices. As such, understanding these characterstics is crucial in choosing the right capture technology and formulating viable business cases.

Forging the Future: Stakeholder Consultations and R&I Priorities

The SET Plan Working Group on CO₂ Capture has been engaging stakeholders to identify key R&I priorities for future CO₂ capture technologies. These consultations shape the agenda for next-generation CO₂ capture development.

Adapting to Change: Sector Developments in CO₂ Capture

Projects like Sleipner and Snøhvit in Norway underscore the necessity of CO₂ capture in the oil and gas sectors. However, the future of CO₂ capture in coal and gas power generation remains uncertain. Meanwhile, other sectors like waste-to-energy, cement and lime, iron and steel, and chemicals are adopting CO₂ capture to reduce emissions.

Navigating Cross-Cutting Issues: The Road to Interoperability and Circularity

The webinar highlighted cross-cutting issues vital for advancing CO₂ capture, including interoperability, circularity, and participation in regional and global innovation ecosystems. Collaboration with nations undertaking complementary research on CCS is crucial in accelerating global progress.

Reimagining Research: Fundamental Research and Demonstration Projects

There's a call for a new perspective on targeted fundamental research, with an emphasis on coupling full-scale demonstration projects with this research. The aim is to select research based on excellence, not just target orientation.

Enabling the Future of CO₂ Capture: R&I Needs

Several R&I needs have been identified as potential enablers for CO₂ capture. These include flexible, cost-effective capture systems, high capture rates, CDR schemes, integrated capture systems for industry clusters, novel reactor designs, and effective control of emissions.

Embracing the Complexity of the CCS Journey

In conclusion, the future of CO₂ capture is bright, but it requires collaboration, innovation, and research. It's not just about advancing technology, but also about ensuring a just energy transition, not only within Europe but also in countries beginning to develop their own CCUS programmes. The journey ahead is challenging, but with the right approach and collaboration, a sustainable future is within our grasp.

This webinar is part of an ongoing series hosted by EERA CCS. The series is one of the many benefits of being a member of our joint programme, fostering a dynamic environment where researchers, academics, and industry professionals can discuss, challenge, and enhance their understanding of critical topics in the field. This consistent exchange of knowledge and ideas through such webinars contributes to EERA CCS's mission of accelerating the development and deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies.