As the worldwide push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensifies, attention is increasingly turning to the hardest sectors to decarbonize. These so-called “hard-to-abate” sectors include heavy industries such as cement, steel, and chemicals, along with certain areas of transportation like shipping and aviation. While renewable energy, electrification, and energy efficiency improvements can significantly reduce emissions in many areas, these strategies often fall short in heavy industries due to their complex processes and high-temperature requirements. For these sectors, carbon capture offers a critical pathway to achieving meaningful emissions reductions.
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are designed to trap carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions at the source, often before they enter the atmosphere. This CO₂ can then be transported and either stored underground or used in various industrial applications. Without carbon capture, many hard-to-abate sectors would struggle to meet climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement and national net-zero targets.
Why These Sectors Are So Challenging
Hard-to-abate sectors contribute roughly 30 percent of global CO₂ emissions. A large portion of these emissions are not just from fossil fuel combustion but from the chemical reactions involved in production processes. For instance, cement manufacturing releases CO₂ both from burning fuel to heat kilns and from the conversion of limestone (calcium carbonate) into lime (calcium oxide), an unavoidable part of the process.
Similarly, steel production, particularly in blast furnaces, emits large volumes of CO₂ due to the use of coke (a coal derivative) as both a fuel and a chemical reducing agent. In these cases, simply switching to renewable electricity or improving efficiency does not eliminate emissions at the source. Carbon capture becomes the most viable option to directly target and reduce these emissions.
The Role of Carbon Capture
Carbon capture technologies are evolving rapidly. Innovations have led to more cost-effective and scalable solutions that can be deployed in industrial environments with minimal disruption to existing operations. For many industries, carbon capture systems can be retrofitted onto current infrastructure, providing a practical solution to reducing emissions without completely overhauling operations.
Furthermore, the captured CO₂ can be stored permanently in geological formations or repurposed in applications such as enhanced oil recovery or the production of synthetic fuels and building materials. This dual use not only reduces emissions but can also create economic value.
Governments and industry leaders are beginning to recognize the urgency of investing in CCUS infrastructure. As carbon pricing and emissions regulations become more stringent, the economic case for carbon capture continues to strengthen. In particular, support is growing for carbon sequestration companies that offer specialized solutions tailored to industrial settings.
Looking Ahead
Decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors is non-negotiable if the world is to limit global warming to 1.5°C. While these sectors face unique challenges, carbon capture provides a scientifically and economically viable solution that is available today. As technological advancements continue and costs decline, the adoption of CCUS will likely become a standard part of industrial decarbonization strategies.
In this context, carbon capture is not just a stopgap but a long-term necessity. It plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between current emissions and future sustainability, ensuring that even the most challenging sectors can contribute to a low-carbon economy.