Introduction to Carbon Sequestration: Meaning | Methods | Working

Carbon sequestration is a way to help stop climate change. It generally includes catching and storing carbon dioxide (CO2), which causes global warming. As CO2 levels rise, it’s important to understand how this process works. In this blog, we will explain what it means, how CO2 is captured and stored, and how the process helps the planet. We will also look at some top companies working on this and talk about the two main types. Learning about this can help us see how it supports a cleaner, healthier future.

Carbon Sequestration Meaning

It refers to various methods used to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, which are harmful greenhouse gases. These emissions primarily come from sources like power plants and factories. After capturing the CO2, it can be stored underground, used in different ways, or transformed into other substances. Understanding this concept is crucial because it plays a significant role in tackling climate change.

Types of Carbon Sequestration

It is a way to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, and it can be divided into two main types: natural as well as artificial. So, here is a brief explanation of both types:

1. Natural Carbon Sequestration

It happens through processes that occur in nature. For example, plants use sunlight to take in CO2 during photosynthesis, and oceans absorb CO2 as well. Different ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and grasslands play a crucial role in this process. By capturing as well as holding onto carbon naturally.

2. Artificial Carbon Sequestration

On the other hand, artificial sequestration involves human-made methods. This includes techniques like storing CO2 underground (geological storage) and directly capturing CO2 from the air. These methods are designed to improve the natural ways carbon is managed in our environment and help reduce the levels of CO2 in the atmosphere.

How Does Carbon Sequestration Work?

Generally, the process of sequestration involves a few key steps:

1. Capturing the CO2: The first step is to collect carbon emissions from places like coal and gas power plants and manufacturing plants. This can be done using different technologies. That either takes the CO2 out before combustion (pre-combustion), after combustion (post-combustion), or even through special methods using pure oxygen (oxy-fuel combustion).
2. Transporting the CO2: After the CO2 is captured, it needs to be moved to a storage location. This can be done by using pipelines, ships, or trucks, depending on how far it needs to go and what is available.
3. Storing the CO2: The final step is to store the CO2. The most common way is to inject it deep into the ground in rock formations, where it can be safely kept. Other options include storing it in the ocean or turning it into solid materials.

In short, it is an important tool in our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. As we understand how carbon sequestration works to combat climate change, technology is becoming a powerful enabler in making these efforts more measurable and effective.

Our Internet of Things Course teaches you how to build smart systems that can monitor air quality, analyze environmental data, and contribute to carbon management. From tracking soil carbon in agriculture to managing forest data, IoT empowers you to create sustainable solutions that support global climate goals.

Carbon Sequestration Methods

There are several ways to capture and store carbon dioxide (CO2), each with its benefits and challenges. Here are the main methods explained simply:

1. Geological Sequestration

This method involves pumping CO2 deep underground into rock formations, like old oil and gas fields or salty water reservoirs. It’s generally considered one of the safest ways to store large amounts of CO2 for a long time.

2. Ocean Sequestration

This approach means injecting CO2 into the ocean, where it can mix with seawater. While it can help store lots of CO2, there are worries about it causing ocean acidification, which could harm sea life.

3. Biological Sequestration

This method focuses on boosting natural processes that help capture carbon in plants, soil, and the ocean. We can do this carbon sequestration by planting trees (reforestation), creating new forests (afforestation), and improving farming practices to increase the carbon stored in the soil.

4. Mineral Sequestration

In this process, CO2 reacts with specific minerals to form stable compounds that can safely trap the carbon. This method could store CO2 for a long time, but it’s limited by the availability of the right minerals and requires a lot of energy.

5. Direct Air Capture

This newer technology captures CO2 straight from the air using special chemical processes. The collected CO2 can then be stored or used in other applications. Although it has the potential to remove a significant amount of CO2, it is currently quite expensive and requires a lot of energy to operate.

In short, these methods are crucial as we look for ways to reduce the impact of climate change.

Carbon Sequestration Companies

India is working hard to reduce carbon pollution and fight climate change by using carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Here are some simple examples:

1. 🇮🇳 Carbon Clean

An Indian company started by two young entrepreneurs, Carbon Clean, helps factories capture over 90% of their carbon emissions. They even built the world’s first full carbon capture plant in Chennai.

2. Global CCS Institute

This global group supports India by sharing knowledge and ideas about carbon capture. They have studied how Indian cement factories can reduce CO₂ and suggested places to store the carbon safely.

3. Occidental Petroleum

This U.S. company worked with India’s Reliance Industries to send oil that had its carbon emissions balanced out using capture methods, showing how captured carbon can be used in real business.

4. Government Support

In the realm of carbon sequestration, India's government is setting up special test sites in cement factories to try out ways to capture and use carbon, aiming to help the country reach "net zero" pollution goals.

New Ideas from Startups

• Mati Carbon spreads special volcanic rock on farms to trap CO₂ and improve soil.
• Varaha turns farm waste into biochar, a kind of charcoal that locks away CO₂ in the ground. Google is even buying carbon credits from Varaha.

5. Research and Education

A top energy school in India, IIPE, is working with a company to build a new research center to study clean energy, including carbon capture. In short, India is using smart ideas, technology, and teamwork to clean up the air and fight climate change.

Conclusion

Carbon sequestration is an important way to help fight climate change by capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. By learning about what it means and how it works, we can see how it helps reduce greenhouse gases. Companies that develop carbon capture technologies play a key role in this effort. As we deal with climate change, using both natural and man-made methods will be essential for building a sustainable future and keeping our planet safe for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)