What’s the Difference Between CCS and CCU?: Understanding Carbon Management Technologies

As the UK intensifies efforts to combat climate change, carbon capture technologies have become a critical part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Two commonly discussed methods are Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU). While these terms are often used interchangeably, they have distinct differences that are important to understand. It’s all in what happens to the carbon after it’s captured – is it stored permanently or is it used?

What is CCS?

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a process that involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial sources, such as power plants like Evero’s, and permanently storing them underground in geological formations.

The goal of CCS is to prevent CO₂ from entering the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.

Key Steps of CCS:

• Capture – CO₂ is captured from industrial processes before it is released into the atmosphere.
• Transport – The captured CO₂ is transported via pipelines, ships, or other means to a storage site.
• Storage – The CO₂ is injected deep underground into secure geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers. Evero’s InBECCS (Ince Bio Power Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) project is a part of the HyNet cluster, where its captured carbon would be transported into the depleted oil and gas reserves in Liverpool Bay.

What is CCU?

Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) builds on CCS by adding an additional step: utilisation. Instead of storing the captured CO₂, it is also put to productive use in various industries.

Key Steps of CCU:

• Capture – Similar to CCS, CO2 is captured from industrial sources.
• Transport – The CO₂ is transported to either a storage or utilisation site.
• Utilisation – The captured CO₂ is used in industrial applications such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), enhanced oil recovery and concrete production.

Which Approach is Better?

Both CCS and CCU play a vital role in decarbonising industries and mitigating climate change. The choice between them depends on the specific industry and regional policies. Understanding the difference between CCS and CCU is essential for making informed decisions about carbon management.

CCS offers a direct solution for reducing and potentially creating negative emissions, while CCU provides additional economic benefits by repurposing captured carbon. As technology advances and industries seek sustainable solutions, both approaches will likely continue to evolve, shaping the future of carbon reduction efforts worldwide.