Why CCS?The present world CO2 emissions amount to almost 30 gigatons per year and is still increasing. Evidence that these emissions are influencing the climate is gradually becoming stronger.
Most scientists are convinced that global CO2 emissions have to be reduced by more than 50 % in order to stabilize CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere at twice the pre-industrial level (approximately 550 ppm). The Kyoto agreement of 1997 sets concrete targets for gradual reduction in emission. Industrial nations agreed to reduce their collective greenhouse gases, which are dominated by CO2. The required reduction can be achieved by means of an integrated package of three groups of measures, also known as Trias energetica.
Many countries make considerable efforts to promote both energy efficient measures and an increased use of renewable energy sources. Nevertheless it is becoming clear that the combined effect of energy efficiency and renewables will not achieve the required reduction in emission. That is why CCS is an essential technology which contributes to the slow-down in climate change.
‘Decarbonisation' of fossil fuels may also be required to reach the necessary stabilization of CO2 in the atmosphere, to bridge the gap to a fully renewable energy supply system. This is why many countries have initiated research and pilots on CO2 capture, transport and storage, and are studying the risks and limits of various technologies. The CATO-2 programme aims at building a strong knowledge network for the Netherlands in this field, to be able to implement this technology when necessary.
CCS will be an important means of CO2 reduction, not only to the Netherlands but also to upcoming economies like China and India. These nations are making an increasing use of fossil fuel and will continue to do so in the near future. 8 years of CATO & CATO-2 |