How Does Carbon Capture Work?

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a key technology in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and when combined with bioenergy, it becomes BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage).

But how does carbon capture actually work?

At a biomass power plant like Evero’s, waste wood is used as fuel to generate electricity. During this process, carbon dioxide (CO₂) is produced as part of normal combustion. In a standard plant, this CO₂ would be released into the atmosphere.

With CCS, the process changes. Instead of being emitted, the CO₂ is captured from the flue gas using specialised technology, most commonly through a process called chemical absorption. This involves passing the gas through a solution that selectively removes CO₂.

Once captured, the CO₂ is compressed into a liquid or a gas, depending on the transportation infrastructure, and transported, typically via pipeline, for permanent storage deep underground in geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs.

What makes BECCS unique is the carbon cycle. The carbon in waste wood originally came from the atmosphere, absorbed by trees as they grew. By capturing and storing the CO₂ produced during energy generation, BECCS can result in net negative emissions, removing more CO₂ from the atmosphere than it emits.

Importantly, carbon capture operates alongside existing emissions control systems. It does not replace filters or scrubbers but adds an additional layer focused specifically on CO₂ reduction.

The entire process is carefully controlled and regulated to ensure safety and environmental compliance. Storage sites are selected based on strict geological criteria to ensure long-term containment.

BECCS is increasingly recognised as a critical technology for achieving net zero, and as a partner for sectors where emissions are difficult to eliminate entirely.