Carbon capture is expected to play a pivotal role in the race to net zero emissions. But not everyone agrees

Published

3 years ago

July 20, 2021

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A detail of the pilot carbon dioxide (CO2) capture plant is pictured at Amager Bakke waste incinerator in Copenhagen on June 24, 2021.

IDA GULDBAEK ARENTSEN | AFP | Getty Images

LONDON — Carbon capture technology is often held up as a source of hope in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions, featuring prominently in countries’ climate plans as well as the net-zero strategies of some of the world’s largest oil and gas companies.

The topic is divisive, however, with climate researchers, campaigners and environmental advocacy groups arguing that carbon capture technology is not a solution.

The world is confronting a climate emergency, and policymakers and chief executives are under intensifying pressure to deliver on promises made as part of the landmark Paris Agreement. The accord, ratified by nearly 200 countries in 2015, is seen as critically important in averting the worst effects of climate change.

Carbon capture, utilization and storage — often shortened to carbon capture technology or CCUS — refers to a suite of technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide from high-emitting activities such as power generation or industrial facilities, that use either fossil fuels or biomass for fuel.

The captured carbon dioxide, which can also be captured directly from the atmosphere, is then compressed and transported via pipeline, ship, rail or truck to be used in a range of applications or permanently stored underground.

There are a number of reasons why carbon capture is a false climate solution. The first and most fundamental of those reasons is that it is not necessary.

Carroll Muffett

Chief executive at the Center for International Environmental Law

Proponents of these technologies believe they can play an important and diverse role in meeting global energy and climate goals.

Carroll Muffett, chief executive at the non-profit Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), is not one of them. “There are a number of reasons why carbon capture is a false climate solution. The first and most fundamental of those reasons is that it is not necessary,” he told CNBC via telephone.

“If you look at the history of carbon capture and storage, what you see is nearly two decades of a solution in search of a cure.”

‘Unproven scalability’

Some CCS and CCUS facilities have been operating since the 1970s and 1980s when natural gas processing plants in south Texas began capturing carbon dioxide and supplying the emissions to local oil producers for enhanced oil recovery operations. The first one was set up in 1972.

It wasn’t until several years later that carbon capture technology would be studied for climate mitigation purposes. Now, there are 21 large-scale CCUS commercial projects in operation worldwide and plans for at least 40 new commercial facilities have been announced in recent years.

A report published by CIEL earlier this month concluded that these technologies are not only “ineffective, uneconomic and unsafe,” but they also prolong reliance on the fossil fuel industry and distract from a much-needed pivot to renewable alternatives.

Employees near the CO2 compressor site at the Hawiyah Natural Gas Liquids Recovery Plant, operated by Saudi Aramco, in Hawiyah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, June 28, 2021. The Hawiyah Natural Gas Liquids Recovery Plant is designed to process 4.0 billion standard cubic feet per day of sweet gas as pilot project for Carbon Capture Technology (CCUS) to prove the possibility of capturing C02 and lowering emissions from such facilities.

Maya Siddiqui | Bloomberg | Getty Images

“The unproven scalability of CCS technologies and their prohibitive costs mean they cannot play any significant role in the rapid reduction of global emissions necessary to limit warming to 1.5°C,” the CIEL said, referring to a key aim of the Paris Agreement to limit a rise in the earth’s temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

“Despite the existence of the technology for decades and billions of dollars in government subsidies to date, deployment of CCS at scale still faces insurmountable challenges of feasibility, effectiveness, and expense,” the CIEL added.

Earlier this year, campaigners at Global Witness and Friends of the Earth Scotland commissioned climate scientists at the Tyndall Centre in Manchester, U.K. to assess the role fossil fuel-related CCS plays in the energy system.

The peer-reviewed study found that carbon capture and storage technologies still face numerous barriers to short-term deployment and, even if these could be overcome, the technology “would only start to deliver too late.” Researchers also found that it was incapable of operating with zero emissions, constituted a distraction from the rapid growth of renewable energy “and has a history of over-promising and under-delivering.”

In short, the study said reliance on CCS is “not a solution” to confronting the world’s climate challenge.

Carbon capture is ‘a rarity’ in Washington

Not everyone is convinced by these arguments, however. The International Energy Agency, an influential intergovernmental group, says that while carbon capture technology has not yet lived up to its promise, it can still offer “significant strategic value” in the transition to net zero.

“CCUS is a really important part of this portfolio of technologies that we consider,” Samantha McCulloch, head of CCUS technology at the IEA, told CNBC via video call.

The IEA has identified four key strategic roles for the technologies: Addressing emissions from energy infrastructure, tackling hard-to-abate emissions from heavy industry (cement, steel and chemicals, among others), natural gas-based hydrogen production and carbon removal.

For these four reasons, McCulloch said it would be fair to describe CCUS as a climate solution.

At present, CCUS facilities around the world have the capacity to capture more than 40 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year. The IEA believes plans to build many more facilities could double the level of CO2 captured globally.

“It is contributing but not to a scale that we envisage will be needed in terms of a net-zero pathway,” McCulloch said. “The encouraging news, I think, is that there has been very significant momentum behind the technology in recent years and this is really reflecting that without CCUS it will be very difficult — if not impossible — to meet net-zero goals.”

Electricity pylons are seen in front of the cooling towers of the coal-fired power station of German energy giant RWE in Weisweiler, western Germany, on January 26, 2021.

INA FASSBENDER | AFP | Getty Images

Meanwhile, the American Petroleum Institute, the largest U.S. oil and gas trade lobby group, believes the future looks bright for carbon capture and utilization storage.

The group noted in a blog post on July 2 that CCUS was a rare example of something that is liked by “just about everyone” in Washington – Democrats, Republicans and Independents alike.

Where do we go from here?

“Frankly, tackling climate change is not the same as trying to bring the fossil fuel industry to its knees,” Bob Ward, policy and communications director at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change at the London School of Economics, told CNBC via telephone.

“If the fossil fuel companies can help us get to net zero then why wouldn’t we want them to do that? I think too many environmental groups have conflated their dislike of oil and gas companies with the challenge of tackling climate change.”

When asked why carbon capture and storage schemes should be in countries’ climate plans given the criticism they receive, Ward replied: “Because if we are going to get to net zero by 2050, we have to throw every technology at this problem … People who argue that you can start ruling out technologies because you don’t like them are those who, I think, haven’t understood the scale of the challenge we face.”

The CIEL’s Muffett rejected this suggestion, saying proponents of carbon capture technologies are increasingly reliant on this kind of “all of the above” argument. “The answer to it is surprisingly easy: It is that we have a decade to cut global emissions in half and we have just a few decades to eliminate them entirely,” Muffett said.

“If on any reasonable examination of CCS, it costs massive amounts of money but doesn’t actually reduce emissions in any meaningful way, and further entrenches fossil fuel infrastructure, the question is: In what way is that contributing to the solution as opposed to diverting time and energy and resources away from the solutions that will work?”

Environment

One of Texas’ dirtiest coal plants will swap to solar with help from US grant

Published

14 hours ago

December 21, 2024

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One of Texas' dirtiest coal plants will swap to solar with help from US grant

A coal plant in South Texas will shut down and convert to a solar + battery electricity generation facility, with the help of a $1.4 billion grant from the US Department of Agriculture meant to help clean energy while saving rural jobs.

The grant will go to San Miguel Electric Cooperative Inc (SMECI) headquartered in Atascosa County, Texas, south of San Antonio, and serving 340,000 customers 47 South Texas counties.

SMECI has operated a mine mouth lignite-fired coal plant (named due to its proximity to the mine that supplies it) since 1982. The plant is in the town of Christine, Texas, population 337.

But that coal-fired plant is one of the dirtiest in Texas. It’s the fourth-largest mercury polluter in the state, producing around 12 times as much mercury as is allowed by a new EPA rule.

It also has two coal ash ponds on site which leech into the local water table and create some of the most contaminated groundwater in the country. Here’s a passage from a 2022 Earthjustice report which analyzed contamination from coal plants:

Numerous constituents were found in concentrations exceeding relevant thresholds from the outset of monitoring in 2018—in wells both up- and downgradient from CCR units. These constituents include arsenic (up to 7 times the Maximum Contamination Level (MCL)), beryllium (up to 112 times the MCL), boron (up to 28 times its 10-day child health advisory), cadmium (up to 83 times the MCL), cobalt (up to 360 times its default GWPS in the CCR Rule), lithium (up to 82 times its default GWPS), selenium (up to 16 times the MCL), and radium (up to 6 times the MCL).

–Poisonous Coverup, The Widespread Failure of the Power Industry to Clean Up Coal Ash Dumps, Earthjustice, 2022

In particular, note that the coal plant resulted in 360x as much cobalt as is allowed in the groundwater protection standard – an element that people often associate with electric car batteries, but is also present in many fossil fueled applications (oil refining, for one).

So, moving away from this coal plant and to a cleaner option would definitely be a big win, given what an environmental stain it is on the area.

In September, SMECI was chosen as a finalist for a new USDA “Empowering Rural America” grant, and this week, was officially selected as one of the sites to receive part of grant, alongside 9 others. SMECI received the largest chunk of the $4.37 billion total, with other sites mostly getting grants in the hundreds of millions.

In total, the grants will support 5,000 jobs and reduced climate pollution by 11 million tons per year, according to the USDA. SMECI’s grant will reduce climate pollution by 1.8 million tons, as much removing 446,000 cars from the road, and support around 600 jobs.

The grant money will be used to convert the plant away from coal power and replace it with solar and battery storage. Solar is an abundant resource in sunny South Texas, and the plant already has grid connections to make this an easier drop-in than having to run new transmission lines.

But not only that, the site’s capacity will see a significant upgrade. The current coal plant can produce up to 410 megawatts of power, but the upcoming solar plant will be capable of 600 MW – nearly half again as much as its previous capacity.

And pairing this solar power with grid-tied batteries will help to make the grid more resilient, too. Thermal power plants tend to take time to turn off and on, meaning it’s harder to manage unexpected peaks and troughs in electricity demand – plus, equipment at the plants tends to wear when it heats up and cools down a lot, contributing to the high costs of coal power. There have been numerous studies showing that new solar plants are cheaper than old coal – and that’s even ignoring externalities.

While solar power is often considered intermittent – you are at the mercy of the sun, after all – batteries can solve that problem. These batteries can help to smooth out peaks and troughs in generation and demand, and can be dispatched to the grid within milliseconds, to better match supply with demand. They can also be used for energy arbitrage, by charging when supply is abundant and discharging when demand is high.

While there’s no announced timeline yet for exactly when the plant will complete its transition, SMECI will develop a Community Benefits Plan over the course of the next year as a provision of the grant process.

Once this transition is completed, Texas will be left with 14 coal plants. In 2023, Texas generated 71GWh of electricity through coal, down from a peak of 157GWh in 2011. Electricity generation in the state was 37.2% coal in 2000, and just 13.1% in 2023.

And if you want to make the transition to solar on your own personal level, why not install some on your roof? To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

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Environment

Sustainable performance with ERANGE – the best EV tires for top EVs

Published

18 hours ago

December 21, 2024

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Sustainable performance with ERANGE – the best EV tires for top EVs

From their cutting-edge tech to their planet-saving potential and just how fun they are to drive, EVs are here to stay. And as EVs rapidly become more mainstream, so do the unique demands they place on other components – like tires. The unsung heroes of every road trip, tires play a critical role in delivering the performance and efficiency EV drivers expect. Enter ERANGE, an EV tire series that’s specifically designed to meet those demands.

In this post, we spotlight four of the hottest EV models on the market, their go-to tire sizes, what matters most to EV drivers, and what ERANGE delivers when it’s time to replace the rubber.

Hottest EV models and tire sizes

Tesla Model Y
This crossover powerhouse is the world’s best-selling EV for a reason. It offers impressive range, a roomy interior, and Tesla’s signature tech, making it a favorite for families and tech lovers alike.

Most popular tire size for the Tesla Model Y: Common tire sizes include 255/45R19 and 255/40R20, designed for optimal efficiency and grip.

Lucid Air
If luxury and range had a baby, it would be the Lucid Air. With industry-leading range and a design that screams sophistication, this premium sedan is making waves among EV buyers who demand the best.

Most popular tire size for the Lucid Air: Premium models often sport 245/35R21 tires, perfect for performance and aerodynamics.

Ford Mustang Mach-E
Who says EVs can’t have a muscle car vibe? The Mach-E blends style, performance, and affordability into a package that’s become a hit with mainstream drivers.

Most popular tire size for the Ford Mustang Mach-E: Sizes like 225/55R19 offer a balance of comfort and range.

Hyundai Ioniq 5
With its futuristic design and competitive price, the Ioniq 5 is quickly becoming a darling among urbanites and younger drivers looking to go electric without breaking the bank.

Most popular tire size for the Hyundai Ioniq 5: 235/55R19 tires are known for quiet operation and energy efficiency.

What EV drivers want in tires

EVs aren’t just regular cars with a battery – they bring a whole new set of challenges and opportunities for tire design. Here’s what matters most to EV drivers:

Low rolling resistance: Critical for squeezing out every mile of range and optimizing efficiency.
Durability: EVs are heavier and pack more torque than gas-powered cars, which means they’re tougher on tires. EV-specific compounds are a must for longevity.
Quiet ride: EVs are whisper-quiet, and the last thing you want is road noise ruining the vibe.
All-season performance: A solid tire should handle everything from summer downpours to light snow.
Sustainability: Eco-conscious EV owners want tires made with greener materials and manufacturing processes.

Why ERANGE tires deliver for EV drivers

ERANGE tires are designed with EVs in mind, and they deliver on every front that matters:

Optimized efficiency: Thanks to Sailun’s proprietary EcoPoint3 technology, ERANGE tires reduce rolling resistance, giving you more miles per charge without sacrificing performance.
Exceptional durability: These tires are built tough to handle the unique stresses of EVs, which means fewer replacements and better value over time.
Enhanced comfort: The tread design is tailored for EVs, minimizing road noise so you can enjoy that peaceful cabin.
Eco-friendly design: Made with sustainable materials and processes, ERANGE tires align perfectly with the green ethos of EV ownership.
All-season capability: Rain, shine, or snow, ERANGE tires keep you safe and steady year-round.

Final thoughts

The EV revolution is here, and it’s transforming everything from how we drive to the tires that carry us there. ERANGE EV is leading the way in tire innovation, offering products that enhance efficiency, durability, and sustainability. Backed by Sailun’s cutting-edge technology, ERANGE tires are a smart, reliable choice for EV drivers who demand the best.

So, if you’re looking for tires that can keep up with your EV’s performance and your eco-conscious values, ERANGE EV has you covered.

You can visit ERANGE EV’s website here.

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Environment

Awesomely Weird Alibaba EV of the Week: This 18 MPH suitcase is a terrible idea

Published

23 hours ago

December 21, 2024

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Awesomely Weird Alibaba EV of the Week: This 18 MPH suitcase is a terrible idea

I’ve got a bit of a reputation for testing out some of the wildest, strangest, and most interesting non-car electric vehicles on the internet. In order to find many of these far-fetched electric steeds, all I have to do is pop open a few (dozen) Alibaba tabs in my browser and start window shopping through the world’s largest repository of creative EV engineering. That’s exactly how I found this week’s focus: a surprisingly fast and fun-looking suitcase that you can giddy-up and ride till the wheels fall off, which they very well might.

Now let me tell you right off the bat: I did not actually buy this awesome-looking scooter suitcase (scootcase?). This is part of a long series of posts where we enjoy the beauty (or horror) of some of Alibaba’s wildest EVs from the safe distance of our computer screens.

But this one is really tempting me. And that’s because for a mere US $733, this electric suitcase that nobody ever asked for could be yours!

It’s powered by a 400W motor – or perhaps two 400W motors, as the ad copy isn’t super clear. But either way, that single or double motor is apparently enough to send this suitcase careening around an airport terminal at a wholly irresponsible 30 km/h (18 mph).

If this seems like a half-baked idea, then you’re probably being generous. The last thing I want when I’m rushing to catch a flight is to be taken out at the knees by someone riding an 18 mph suitcase. But then again, the simple solution to that problem is to already be on my own electric suitcase! Problem solved – and race started!

The concept sounds far fetched, but the execution actually looks pretty decent, especially when shown off by the leggy model giving us the money shot, above.

The design is sort of fascinating, even if I’m not 100% sure I understand the engineering. Apparently it starts life as a normal carry-on suitcase. You know, the boring old kind that you can’t drift around a Cinnabon on your way to Gate 16A.

But then it transforms like Optimus Prime into a scooter, folding part of the suitcase back on itself and pivoting its trolley pull-handle 90 degrees into a set of handlebars. At that point you pop a fat squat right onto Scootimus Prime and you’re ready to fly around an airport at breakneck speeds. Based on the graphic below, I’m led to believe this transformation takes just five seconds.

I can’t imagine this does any favors to the storage space available inside of the suitcase. But hey, did you buy your suitcase to carry things, or did you buy it to race old folks on those Terminal 3 golf cart shuttles? Yeah, that’s what I thought. So quit complaining, go toss your laundry and neck pillow in a plastic shopping bag, and strap on your riding goggles because we’ve got some very narrow tire marks to lay down on some very squeaky airport linoleum.

The on-board battery is said to be enough for 13 km (8 miles) of range, which seems longer than necessary in any airport setting. It also powers some USB outlets on the suitcase, meaning you could recharge your phone in a pinch.

The 75Wh battery is compliant with pretty much any airline, falling below the 100Wh limit. So if you’re getting hassled at the airport about your new wheels, it won’t be by TSA, but rather all the teenagers laughing at you while posting it on TikTok.

But let ’em laugh, because they’re just haters in your non-existent rearview mirror. If they only knew what sweet loadout this scootcase had, they’d be singing a different tune.

There are surprisingly nice features like four speed settings, electronic braking, cruise control, and even a reverse feature. You might scoff, but my LiveWire electric motorcycle doesn’t even have reverse. Harley engineers could learn a thing or two from this silly little thing!

Some final thoughts

As interesting as this thing looks, I don’t think I’ll be dropping $733 on it anytime soon. I’ll have to stick with my trusty Cotopaxi travel backpack, which can neither ferry me around an airport nor charge my devices, but has served me well for boring old tasks like carrying my belongings.

And as many of my longtime readers will already know, this is very much a tongue-in-cheek post as part of a long series of other tongue-in-cheek Alibaba posts (which I hope to resurrect to a near-regular schedule again). Therefore, nothing in this post should be taken as an endorsement of this product. In fact, please do not buy this thing. You’ve been warned. If you do buy it, don’t complain to me when you get a speeding ticket from a mall cop or get banned from LaGuardia for causing a pileup outside of a Sbarro.

Let’s just let this thing exist in its own weird little corner of the internet with the rest of the finest electric vehicles that Alibaba has to offer.

And that, my friends, is a wrap. It’s good to be back.

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