An Emerging Energy Technology - Assignment Example

CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE AND STORAGE INTRODUCTION In the recent years several attempts have been made to transform the energy sector and this has led to developments of new technologies as well as improvements on the existing ones. According to Stephen (2006) countries have formed alliances with the main aim of addressing the rapid increase in oil prices and also offer solutions to climate change. All countries have been affected by climate change hence the need to work together to ensure that they conserve the environment. Countries have also shared ideas on the best methods of conserving energy, and this interaction between countries has led to many inventions. Higher institutions of learning have also partnered with several laboratories to come with new technologies that can easily be applied by different sectors in the economy (Hester, 2009). CARBON DIOXIDE CAPTURE AND STORAGE Francis & Ruel (1998) describe the carbon dioxide capture and storage as a method by which carbon dioxide emanations from industries have been seized and stockpiled underneath the earth surface. This method has been adopted by many countries in the world especially those that engage in industrial and manufacturing activities. According to Shackley (2006) this method enables regulation of gas emissions to the atmosphere as these emissions destroy the ozone layer that protects the earth from dangerous sun rays. Policies as such must be put in place to ensure that the environment is safe guarded for use by future generations. According to Russell (2009), carbon dioxide capture is the only way of decreasing carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere. This process ensures that carbon dioxide is safely and permanently removed from the atmosphere as the emissions are stored underground. Sources of Carbon dioxide in Developed Countries Electricity Anthony (2012) outlines that Electricity that is an important source of energy particularly in developed countries such as the United States and Europe. During electricity production, fossil fuels are combusted, and this leads to the production of carbon dioxide gas. Electricity production is known to be the principal source of carbon dioxide emanations in these developed countries. According to Wilson & David (2007) electricity is responsible for 38% of carbon dioxide emission and coal burning yields more carbon dioxide gas than oil and even standard gas. Transportation The burning of fossil gases such as petrol and diesel used for transportation of individuals and properties is the second leading source of carbon dioxide emanations. This accounts for around 31% of the gas produced by developed countries. For instance in 2011, 26% of entire United States greenhouse emanations were from fuels that are used in the transport sector particularly air and rail transport (Walter, 2009). Industry Most industrial procedures release carbon dioxide gas through the burning of fossil fuels. Other procedures that are carried out in the industry also produce carbon dioxide gas during chemical reactions that do not involve burning. These procedures are carried out during the manufacture of mineral products, metals and other chemical substances. According to Russell (2009), 14% of carbon dioxide emissions comes from industries that work on 24 hours basis. Industries are encouraged to limit their gas emissions using all possible methods. Capturing methods Post-combustion Daniel & Sullivan (2009) states that post- combustion method involves separating the carbon dioxide gas from other gases after the burning of the fuel. This method follows the same procedures as that used when eliminating contaminants from clean elements. Amines is a chemical that facilitates the post combustion of carbon dioxide and makes it possible for the gas to be captured. During post combustion, carbon dioxide gas is fizzed through a solution of the chemical. The saturated solution is then separated from the Amine chemical and seized in preparation for storage. The chemical can be recycled and used later when the capturing of carbon dioxide is done. Pre-combustion capture George (2004) outlines that this method involves separating carbon dioxide before burning of the fuel. The process involves gasification of fuels in solid and liquid state and the gasification is facilitated by a chemical reaction. For the chemical reaction to going to completion, high temperatures must be present and the volume of oxygen must controlled, as well. The gasification process produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide is then converted to carbon dioxide and captured for storage. The uncontaminated hydrogen is then combusted to produce and electricity and stored for future use. The stored carbon dioxide is later compacted into a liquid and channeled into underground pipes for permanent storage. Oxyfuel combustion This method involves the burning of petroleum in clean oxygen rather than just contaminated air. The quantity of carbon dioxide is highly concentrated in the burning chamber due to the absence nitrogen that would have otherwise reduced its concentration. The high concentration makes it possible for carbon dioxide to be seized and compacted. However, this method is not common, and developed countries are making attempts introduce it to other countries especially third world countries (Ana & Garmen, 2003). Storage methods Geological storage This method of storage is the most common, and it involves pumping in carbon dioxide into underground geographical foundations. Francis & Ruel (1998) outline that there must be trapping methods put in place to ensure that the stored carbon dioxide does not escape into the air. The main advantage of this method is that the stored carbon dioxide can be pumped into deteriorating oil fields to enable oil recovery. The United States also uses this method to restore its oil fields in a bid to increase their oil extraction. Ocean storage Storage of carbon dioxide in the ocean is an ancient method that was used in the past, but it was later abolished as it has adverse impacts on aquatic life. For instance, the Pacific Ocean recorded the highest number of aquatic death in 1992 that was blamed on the carbon dioxide that was being stored in the ocean. The method is no longer used, and restrictions have been put in place to ensure that industries do not channel their waste into the ocean (Branson, 2000). Mineral storage According to Walter (2009), this method of storage is the easiest, and it involves a series of reactions between carbon dioxide and other metallic oxides to produce a variety of carbonates. This is a natural method of storing carbon dioxide, and it leads to build up of limestone underground. This process of storage can be quickened by carrying out the reaction in high temperatures. Mineral storage has been researched on in a bid to determine its viability and environmental safety. Plants that have adopted carbon dioxide capture and storage methods use a lot of energy than plants that use other methods. Financial Cost of Using Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage methods Ana & Garmen (2003) outline that carbon dioxide capture and Storage is a very costly affair. For instance, in the United States approximations made the show that the cost of capturing and storing carbon dioxide is 60 dollars per ton and this in turn increases the cost of producing electricity. The operating cost of companies that capture and store carbon dioxide is very mainly because of the energy that is used up in the compression and sizing of the gas. Peter (2009) states that the additional fuel used in the storage of the gas increases the cost of a firm by 30%–60% and this increase in cost affects the budget of these firms. David (2006) states that governments worldwide have taken the initiative to put funds aside that are aimed at supporting the carbon dioxide capture and storage projects. Governments do this with the hope that this projects will led to inventions and creative innovations that will boost energy production. For instance, inventions such as low carbon expertise will seek to reduce the cost of storing and capturing the gas, and this will encourage other firms to commercialize the process on a large scale. Hester (2009) states that around US$23.5bn is contributed annually by different nations to finance projects involved in capturing and storage of carbon dioxide. Commercialization of Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage methods Shackley (2006) states that energy companies are looking for technologies that lengthen the lifespan of resources, increase dependability and accessibility of tools needed for development. Companies also aim at coming up with inventions that decrease losses and increase profitability. Companies are attracted to technologies that create value for their organizations, and in the long run enable them to gain a competitive advantage. According to Stephen (2006) companies have decided to commercialize on reduction of gas emissions and capture and storage of carbon dioxide seems to be the best option. Carbon Capture and Storage and the Kyoto Protocol According to Daniels & Sullivan (2009) the Kyoto protocol was an agreement signed by countries with the aim of reducing climate change. The protocol is an extension of the United Nations framework convention on climate change whose effects were greatly felt in 1994. This signed agreement commits the signatory countries to decrease their green gas emissions by 5.2% between 2001 and 2012, By 2002, many nations and other regional economic organizations had approved the protocol. During the signing of the agreement countries were trained on the available methods that they could be used to reduce their gas emissions. Researches from all parts of the world have come together to find a solution to climate change as it effects the entire globe. Globalization has also facilitated the invention of new technologies and improvements have been made on the existing ones. For instance, barriers have been eliminated to facilitate the exchange of knowledge and information among countries (Anthony, 2012). Despite the agreement, some countries like the United States are reluctant to sign the Kyoto protocol as they believe that low carbon technologies will not fully solve the climate change problem. They argue that these methods of gas reductions will reduce economic growth and create domestic employment problems. Such countries have opted for other methods such as recycling their waste rather than dispose it off. In the Kyoto protocol, the effects of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere are clearly stated, and agreement also explains the need for countries to control the emissions into the atmosphere (Russell, 2009). Limitations of Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage methods Walter (2009) outlines there has been criticism on the effectiveness of this method and various critics have their individual opinions. For instance, some critics state that this method is not proven to be effective as it does more harm than good to the environment. Some critics also argue that some countries have been reluctant to adopt this method as they question its effectiveness. Environmental groups also argue that storage of gas underneath the earth surface spoils the soil arrangement and structure. This is because the stored waste alters the soil and reduces its fertility. Another challenge of this method is the amount of energy used to capture and store the gas. Shackley (2006) states that this technology uses up a lot of energy in power stations, which is an, extra cost for the company. Study also shows that when the stored gas is mixed with biomass, it does more damage to the environment than when it is directly released into the atmosphere. Power plants claim that the implementation of this technology is very costly hence the conclusion that the process is not worth it. Ana & Garmen (2003) outline that though this method reduces carbon dioxide in the air, the gas can still be emitted during as mining and in transportation of coal, as well. During transportation of coal, emission of carbon dioxide is inevitable as the gas escapes into the air and it makes it hard for it to be trapped. This shows that the technology used is not efficient hence the need to come up with advanced technologies that are less costly. Positive environmental impacts of CO2 Capture and Storage method Wilson & David (2007) state that despite the fact that the process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide is expensive, the benefits outweigh the cost as it reduced carbon dioxide emission by 90%. Another advantage that firms can get from using this technology is that it controls global warming and ensures that the damage on the ozone layer is reduced as the gas is stored underground. Russell (2009) also outlines that the technology can be effective when used together with other technologies. Peter (2011) also states that this process is efficient as it ensures that there is no gas leakage. The gas is fixed indefinably to ensure that there are no holes through which the gas can escape. This way the environment stays free from carbon dioxide and any other contaminants that damage the ozone layer. For instance, most Middle East countries that produce fossil fuels use this method to reduce their gas emissions. This technology is also easy to implement as the procedure of capturing and storing the gas is easy to understand. Robert & Ashley (2006) also states that the stored carbon dioxide provides valuable bi-products. The gas can be recycled to produce other products, and this helps sustain the environment. For instance, carbon dioxide can be used to produce oil rich algae that are used to extract more oil. This technology positively impacts the environment as the gas can be pumped into reservoirs to get more oil from the earth’s surface. In conclusion, countries should invest in research to encourage innovations, and this can also be done through interactive forums where people put knowledge together come with solutions. References 1. Ana, G & Carmen, G, (2003), Global status and Mineral Study, Journal of information Technology Impact, 7(1), 45-58. 2. Anthony, Y, (2012), Clean Coal Fuels, Chicago, The University Press. 3. Branson, R, (2000), Development of new energy technologies, New Delhi, polity press 4. David, K, (2006), The Kyoto Protocol and impacts on the environment, California, Lanner publishers. 5. Daniels, F & Sullivan, K, (2009), International business environments and operations, New Jersey, Upper Saddle Publishers. 6. Francis & Ruel, A, (1998) Effects of climate change, Boston, Bianden Publishers. 7. George, M, (2004), How to Stop the Planet from Burning, Illinois, Rimpa publishers. 8. Hester, R, (2009), Issues in Environmental Science and Technology, Minneapolis. Library of Congress. 9. Peter, Y, (2011) Strategies for reducing the effects of global warming, International Journal of Business and Social Science, 13(2). 10. Russell, D, (2009), Reduction of gas emissions into the atmosphere, United Kingdom, Cambed publishers. 11. Robert, K & Ashley, G, (2006), Development of Science in the Twentieth Century, Ohio, Woolper publishers. 12. Stephen, L, (2006), Carbon Capture and Storage, Renewable Energy, New Orleans, Library of Congress. 13. Shackley, S, (2006), Conservation of Energy in North America, Boston, Ash gate Publishers. 14. Wilson & David (2007), Carbon capture and sequestration, New York, Blackwell Publishing. 15. Walter, (2009), Energy conservation, California, Leeway Publishers. Read More