Understanding Carbon Capture: An Introduction to CCS Technologies

From Industrial Capture to Direct Air Removal

Carbon capture is an emerging part of global strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, helping bridge the gap between current energy systems and long-term decarbonization goals. In this comprehensive whitepaper, FFI Solutions Senior Energy Transition Analyst Drew Haluska provides an accessible introduction to the full spectrum of carbon capture and storage methods. From traditional industrial applications to cutting-edge direct air capture and nature-based solutions, Haluska examines the technologies, costs, and implementation challenges that define today’s carbon removal landscape.

Key Takeaways

Diverse Technology Portfolio: From industrial post-combustion capture to direct air capture and nature-based solutions, carbon removal spans multiple technological approaches, each suited to different applications and scales.
Industrial Applications Expanding: Industries like cement, steel, and ammonia are implementing carbon capture solutions to address both combustion and process emissions that can’t be eliminated through electrification alone.
Geological Storage Proven: Deep saline aquifers and depleted oil fields offer vast storage potential, with 62 operational projects worldwide demonstrating the viability of permanent geological sequestration.
Cost Variations Significant: Technology costs range from under $1/ton for nature-based solutions to $250-600/ton for direct air capture, with ongoing innovation driving down costs across all approaches.
Permanence and Monitoring Critical: Solution durability varies significantly, from reversible nature-based approaches to permanent mineral carbonation, requiring careful assessment of storage permanence and monitoring systems.
Environmental Co-benefits: Many carbon capture approaches offer additional benefits including improved soil health, biodiversity preservation, and ecosystem restoration, making them valuable beyond climate impact alone.

What’s Inside

Industrial Carbon Capture Technologies: Post-combustion and pre-combustion techniques including amine treatment and innovative oxy-fuel processes.
Sector-Specific Applications: Carbon management solutions for cement, steel, ammonia, and power generation with case studies.
Geological Storage Solutions: Analysis of saline aquifers, enhanced oil recovery, and mineral carbonation for permanent CO₂ sequestration.
Emerging Technologies: Direct air capture, enhanced rock weathering, and ocean-based carbon removal with project examples.
Nature-Based Solutions: Forest sequestration, blue carbon ecosystems, and soil carbon enhancement across different scales.
Comparative Assessment: Analysis of effectiveness, permanence, scalability, costs, and environmental considerations.
Cost and Sequestration Data: Appendices with cost comparisons and sequestration potential.

Why FFI Solutions

FFI is uniquely positioned to help clients efficiently navigate the complexities of Net Zero. Our team brings together the hands-on experience in investing, carbon, climate change and consulting necessary to view challenges through multiple lenses and propose solutions that are both ambitious and pragmatic.

Hands-on Investment + Experience

Experience as institutional allocators, fund managers, and researchers gives us real-world understanding of CIO and PM responsibilities.

Core Carbon Expertise

Over the last 9 years, we have expanded our expertise in carbon and energy transition research.

Proven Consulting Process

A proven, results-driven processes customized to an investor’s unique needs.