Key CCS topics: Worldwide deployment, EOR side-effects and Switzerland’s potential

Abstract

This study provides an evaluation of the industrial CO2 management potential thanks to Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS), thanks to an analysis of the current worldwide deployment and near future projections of these technologies. To produce these results, the methodology used is based mainly on a literature review, databases constructions on CCS project, and data analysis. Then, a special attention is accorded to the distinction between Permanent Geological Storage (GEO) and carbon dioxide Enhanced Oil Recovery (CO2-EOR) for the sequestration options. To do so, a modification of a peer-reviewed life-cycle analysis spreadsheet model was performed. Main results show that 2021 CCS deployment represents an annual capacity of 40.12 MtCO2, which is 1 ‰ of global emissions, moreover 70% of this capacity is dedicated to EOR, which drastically reduces the emissions reduction potential of CCS. To reach a significant Gt-scale, humanity should should focus on permanent geological storage projects and build a new facility every 1 or 2 days during the next 30 years. We finally take a closer look to Switzerland that has a strong potential concerning the cement and waste-to-energy industries. The national capacity could reach 5 MtCO2/y and it becomes particularly interesting when biomass is burned, generating 4 MtCO2/y of additional negative emissions. Finally, these results are discussed to emphasise the limitations and implications of CCS technologies deployment.