The global energy supply still heavily relies on fossil fuels, which inevitably produce emissions.
Amid the push toward net-zero emissions, these energy sources remain important, but they need to be complemented with technologies that reduce emissions: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
So, how does this technology actually work, and to what extent can CCS help reduce emissions from fossil-based facilities? Here’s a detailed explanation.
What Is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology designed to prevent carbon dioxide (CO₂) from being released into the atmosphere by capturing it from large emission sources, compressing it, and safely storing it underground.
This technology is a critical strategy to curb emissions from hard-to-abate sectors such as cement, steel, fossil power plants, refineries, and gas processing facilities.
Read More: Why Cutting Carbon Emissions Is Critical for the Planet’s Future?
How Does CCS Work?
CCS consists of three main, interconnected stages:
1. CO₂ Capture
CO₂ is separated from flue gas or process streams before being released into the atmosphere. The main technologies include:
- Post-Combustion: Captures CO₂ after combustion using chemical solvents. Suitable for existing power plants.
- Pre-Combustion: Converts fuel into syngas and separates CO₂ before combustion. Common in gasification processes.
- Oxyfuel Combustion: Burns fuel with pure oxygen so that flue gas is CO₂-rich and easier to purify.
2. Compression and Transport
CO₂ is compressed into liquid or supercritical form to reduce volume. Transportation methods include:
- Pipelines: The main method for large-scale transport
- Ships: For long distances or cross-border transport
- Trucks: For small volumes
3. Geological Storage
CO₂ is injected into deep geological formations capable of holding gas for the long term, such as:
- Depleted oil or gas reservoirs
- Saline aquifers
- Other rock formations with impermeable caprock
After injection, storage sites are monitored over the long term to ensure safety and stability.
Read More: The Benefits of Alternative Energy Over Fossil Fuels
What Is the Difference Between CCS and CCUS?
The main difference between CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) and CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) lies in how captured CO₂ is used or stored.
CCS focuses on capturing and permanently storing CO₂ underground. Its main goals are:
- Significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Storing CO₂ safely in geological formations such as saline aquifers or depleted oil/gas reservoirs
While CO₂ used in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) may still be stored, CCS generally refers to climate-driven mitigation rather than commercial CO₂ utilization.
CCUS encompasses the full CCS process but adds a utilization component, where CO₂ is used for economically valuable applications, such as:
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
- Chemical feedstocks (e.g., methanol, urea)
- Construction products through carbon mineralization
CCUS treats CO₂ as a resource rather than merely a waste product. However, most captured CO₂ globally still requires geological storage due to limited market demand.
Read More: Top Benefits of Natural Gas, More Than Just Low Emissions
What Is the Key Role of CCS?
CCS plays a major role in curbing carbon emissions, particularly in industries that are difficult to decarbonize.
Reducing Emissions from Hard-to-Abate Industries
Industries like cement, steel, and fertilizer production are considered hard-to-abate, as most of their emissions come from chemical reactions in production, not just energy use.
This makes electrification or renewable energy alone insufficient. CCS becomes one of the most important solutions to reduce emissions from these sectors.
Supporting Net-Zero Targets
CCS is considered essential for achieving net-zero emissions. It helps manage residual emissions from industries and energy sectors that cannot be fully decarbonized through electrification, efficiency, or renewables alone.
Analyses by institutions such as the IPCC and IEA indicate that including CCS in decarbonization strategies makes the transition to net-zero more affordable and realistic.
Leveraging Existing Energy Infrastructure
Decommissioned or mature oil and gas assets can be repurposed for climate mitigation via CCS/CCUS. These natural reservoirs have the geological characteristics to safely inject and store CO₂.
In Indonesia, the government and energy sector are exploring the potential of this approach. Several CCS/CCUS projects have been planned or are under study, targeting the use of old oil and gas fields for CO₂ storage.
Read More: 5 Ways to Tackle Global Warming and Save the Planet’s Future
How Does CCS Help LNG Remain Competitive in a Net-Zero Era?
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) is considered a transition fuel due to its relatively lower emissions compared to coal.
However, LNG production and processing still generate CO₂, meaning long-term transition requires additional decarbonization solutions.
One option is integrating CCS/CCUS at LNG processing facilities or terminals. This can reduce LNG’s carbon footprint, keeping it competitive in an era of stricter climate targets and carbon regulations.
Global interest in CCS/CCUS is growing as part of broader energy transition and climate mitigation strategies.
Integrating CCS with LNG facilities can support the long-term sustainability of the gas industry.
References:
- Kementerian ESDM. Accessed 2025. Dirjen Migas: Teknologi CCS/CCUS Kurangi 10 Persen Emisi Global
- Kementerian ESDM. Accessed 2025. Teknologi CCS-CCUS Jadi Tren Baru Hadapi Transisi Energi
- Kementerian ESDM. Accessed 2025. Carbon Capture and Storage (3): Sistem Penangkapan CO2
- IEA. Accessed 2025. About CCUS
- IPCC. Accessed 2025. Mitigation Pathways Compatible with 1.5°C in the Context of Sustainable Development
