As we look back on the SINTEF and NTNU CCS Award lecture delivered by Prof. Roland Span at the 2019 TCCS-10 conference, we appreciate his practical insights and thoughtful perspectives on the challenges and future directions of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Prof. Span, Chair of Thermodynamics at Ruhr University Bochum (RUB), is recognized for his extensive work in thermodynamics and his contributions to CCS research. 

Setting the Stage: The Global Context

In his keynote lecture titled "Standards for an Accelerated Deployment of CCS," Prof. Span began by contextualizing the global state of CO2 emissions. He noted that while developed economies have seen a stabilization or slight decrease in their CO2 emissions, global emissions continue to rise due to the economic growth of developing nations. This trend underscores the urgent need for developed countries to drastically reduce their emissions and highlights the critical role that CCS technologies must play in mitigating climate change.

Addressing the Challenges

Prof. Span candidly discussed the challenges that have hindered the widespread deployment of CCS technologies. Despite the maturity of capture technologies and the proven feasibility of CO2 transport and storage, he identified several non-technical hurdles that need to be overcome. These include the lack of a viable business case, critical public perception, and an unsupportive legal framework. Politicians often hesitate to support CCS initiatives due to potential political risks, further slowing down their adoption.

The Importance of Interdisciplinary Research

One of the most compelling aspects of Prof. Span’s lecture was his call for greater interdisciplinary collaboration. He emphasized that while technical solutions are essential, the involvement of social scientists, economists, and political scientists is equally crucial. This interdisciplinary approach can help address public perception issues, create robust economic models, and develop comprehensive policy frameworks that support CCS deployment.

At Ruhr University Bochum, Prof. Span played a key role in establishing a research department focused on the closed carbon cycle economy. This department brings together experts from ten different faculties, ranging from applied philosophy to natural sciences and engineering. This initiative aims to foster comprehensive discussions and research on closed carbon cycles, emphasizing that while CCS is a crucial component, it is not the sole solution. This broad, interdisciplinary approach is essential for developing effective strategies for carbon management and achieving long-term sustainability.

Technical Standards: A Path Forward

A significant portion of Prof. Span’s lecture was dedicated to the necessity of establishing international technical standards for CCS, particularly for CO2 transport and storage. He highlighted the efforts of the ISO Committee in developing such standards, which include specifications for CO2 properties, transport, and storage. However, he also pointed out that current standards often lack detailed guidelines on how to perform calculations, leaving too much room for interpretation and potentially hindering project approvals.

To illustrate the importance of precise standards, Prof. Span provided an example from his area of expertise: the accurate calculation of CO2 densities in pipelines. He noted that while current methods are highly accurate for certain scenarios, they can produce significant deviations in others, such as when dealing with CO2-hydrogen mixtures. These deviations can lead to substantial errors in mass flow measurements, affecting the reliability of CCS projects. Establishing clear, detailed standards would help streamline the approval process and ensure consistency across different projects.

A Vision for the Future

Reflecting on his lecture, it is clear that Prof. Span envisioned a holistic approach to CCS that goes beyond technical and economic considerations. He urged the CCS community to engage more deeply with social sciences and humanities to anticipate societal changes and ensure public support for CCS initiatives. Understanding public perception is not just about effective communication but also about anticipating and shaping societal developments that will influence the future of carbon management.

Prof. Span also stressed the need for proactive political support and robust legal frameworks. He noted that CCS deployment must be seen as a strategic priority by policymakers, with clear incentives and support mechanisms to encourage investment and development. This includes creating a favorable business environment, addressing public concerns, and ensuring that CCS is integrated into broader climate and energy policies.

Looking Back and Moving Forward

Reflecting on Prof. Span’s 2019 TCCS-10 award lecture, his insights remain relevant to the ongoing development and deployment of CCS technologies. His call for interdisciplinary collaboration and the establishment of technical standards continues to resonate within the CCS community, guiding efforts towards more effective and widespread CCS implementation.

As we build on the foundations laid by researchers like Prof. Span, the journey towards a sustainable and low-carbon future continues. His work advances scientific understanding and helps shape the policies and standards necessary for the broader adoption of CCS technologies. EERA CCS appreciates Prof. Span's contributions and looks forward to the continued impact of his work in the years to come.

Share Your Insights

This webinar is part of an ongoing webinar 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 and storage technologies.

Stay tuned for more updates in our series as we continue to explore innovative advancements in CCS technology.