Carbon Capture and Storage : And the Possibilities in Sweden

Abstract: The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, and Sweden has set a goal toreach net-zero emissions by 2045. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is one method that can reducecarbon dioxide emissions. The industry and transportation sectors are the biggest sources of emissionsin Sweden, requiring technological developments and increased investment to reduce their carbondioxide (CO2) emissions. The Geological Survey of Sweden (SGU) is responsible for controls,supervision, operation, and construction of activities connected with carbon dioxide (CO2) storage. SGUbelieves that the storage conditions in Sweden are poor. Sedimentary, basaltic and ultramafic rock ispreferable for CO2 storage, but finding the right sort of bedrock at the right depth and with the rightvolumes and porosity is the challenge. Hence it is in question to collaborate with nations in the northern sea, in order to transport and storageCO2 which would lessen the burden of needing to build new infrastructure. There are a few upcomingCarbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) projects in Sweden but from the industry’s point of view, thepriority seems to be mostly on Bio-CCS. However, there is still interest for CCS technology in industrialproduction such as steel or cement and also Direct Air Capture (DAC) in the near future. Due to thehigh cost of CCS, funding through the Swedish Energy Agency and EU is vital in order to make iteconomically viable. Other Cost reducing solutions such as relocation on old oil and gas fields orarranging CCS hubs are possible. In summary, this study concludes that CCS is not currently a feasible technique in order to reduce CO2 from the atmosphere, given the current state and costs for it. If the technology becomes more energyefficient and when financial means are in place, the future is bright for CCS. It is extremely relevantthat this technology continues to develop into a better, cheaper and faster way to capture CO2 and reduceemissions of the effective greenhouse gases.