ENTSOG TYNDP 2017 - Main Report

7.3.3 CARBON CAPTURE AND STORAGE

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is the technology used to capture the carbon dioxide (CO ² ) emissions produced by fossil fuels in electricity generation and indus- trial processes. Application of this technology could prevent large amounts of CO ² from being released into the atmosphere, plus if used in combination with energy forms like renewable biomass, can even remove carbon dioxide from the atmos- phere. CCS technology consists of three main parts, capturing the carbon dioxide through the separation of CO ² from other gases, transporting it compressed via pipelines or other methods, and storing the carbon dioxide emissions in depleted oil/gas fields or other compatible geological storage formations, which could be facilitated through the gas infrastructure currently in place. CCS technology may not become commercially viable until 2030 or beyond. Prior to this, significant reductions in CO ² can be achieved by switching from coal-fired power generation to gas-fired power plants, which may see the closure of coal fuelled plants in the short to medium term. With its flexibility to intermittent renewables, gas-fired power plants with CCS technology can be a key part of the energy mix for the long term, utilising either existing reserves or the increasing share of renewable gases.

Image courtesy of Open Grid Europe

Ten-Year Network Development Plan 2017 Main Report |

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