Unpacking Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Dr Nadine Moustafa

Energy Futures Podcast

In this episode, host Dr. Aidan Rhodes is joined by Dr. Nadine Moustafa, a Research Associate at Imperial College London’s Chemical Engineering Department and the Centre for Environmental Policy. Nadine specializes in systems modelling for carbon management, decarbonisation technologies, and developing net-zero strategies. She also serves as Program and Policy Officer at the Coalition for Negative Emissions, advancing policies around negative emissions technologies.

Together, they discuss the role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in the global energy transition, its critical role in helping industries achieve zero carbon goals, and research breakthroughs driving CCS innovation.

If you're looking for a comprehensive and accessible guide to understanding CCS and its future impact, this episode is a must-listen!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:31 What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?

01:06 Simplified Explanation of CCS

03:00 Role of CCS in the Energy Transition

05:15 Achieving Zero Carbon with CCS

08:45 How CO2 is Captured in the CCS Process

12:00 Transporting CO2: The Transport Phase

15:30 CO2 Storage: Geological Formations

18:20 Aqueous-Amine Solvents and CCS Efficiency

21:50 The Future and Challenges for CCS

Topics Covered:

1. Introduction to CCS

• What is CCS?
• Nadine breaks down the fundamentals of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and explains why it's a crucial technology for reducing carbon emissions.
• Simplifying CCS

A clear and simple explanation of the CCS process for those who may be unfamiliar with the technology.

1. The Role of CCS in the Energy Transition and Zero Carbon Goals

• CCS in the Energy Transition

How CCS technology integrates into the broader global energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.

• Achieving Zero Carbon

The critical role CCS plays in helping industries and countries achieve ambitious zero carbon targets.

1. Deep Dive into the CCS Process

• Capture Phase

Nadine outlines how CO2 is captured from industrial processes and power generation facilities.

• Transport Phase

An overview of the methods used to transport captured CO2 to storage sites.

• Storage Phase

A detailed look at how CO2 is stored underground and the types of geological formations suitable for long-term storage.

1. Research and Innovation

• Aqueous-Amine Solvents

Nadine discusses her research on aqueous-amine solvents and their significance in enhancing the carbon capture process.

• Impact of Research

How advancements in solvent technology can improve CCS efficiency and reduce costs.

1. Future Outlook and Challenges for CCS

• Challenges to Adoption

The biggest obstacles facing the widespread adoption of CCS technology.

• Future Advancements

Nadine shares insights into the promising advancements expected in the CCS field over the next few years.

Additional Links

• Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Overview:
• Learn more about the basics of CCS from Imperial College London's resources: Imperial College CCS Research
• Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs):
• Discover more about negative emissions technologies (NETs) and their role in carbon removal: Coalition for Negative Emissions
• Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London:
• Explore the work at the Centre for Environmental Policy where Nadine contributes to research: Centre for Environmental PolicyCarbon Accounting and Policy:
• Understand carbon accounting and its significance in reaching net-zero targets: The Carbon Trust
• Nuclear Power and Carbon Capture Integration:
• Learn about how nuclear energy integrates with carbon capture technology to support decarbonization: World Nuclear Association - CCS
• Transporting CO2 for Storage:
• Learn more about the process of transporting CO2 and the methods used in the CCS supply chain: Global CCS Institute - CO2 Transport
• Aqueous-Amine Solvents Research:
• Find out about the role of aqueous-amine solvents in improving carbon capture efficiency: Amines and Carbon Capture - Imperial College Research

Learn more about Nadine's work:

• Imperial College London:
• Coalition for Negative Emissions: Paper

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