Legal Definitions - carbon capture

Carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies are methods used to prevent or remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere. The captured carbon can then be reused in manufacturing or stored underground. CCUS technology is not yet widely used, but many believe it is essential to implementing carbon offset and cap-and-trade systems.

The most common form of CCUS involves trapping emissions at the source, such as a factory, before the carbon can enter the atmosphere. Another form of CCUS, called direct air capture, removes carbon directly from the atmosphere using large-scale air filtering.

• A coal-fired power plant uses carbon capture technology to capture carbon dioxide emissions before they are released into the atmosphere.
• A cement factory captures carbon dioxide emissions during the manufacturing process and reuses the captured carbon in the production of concrete.
• A company invests in direct air capture technology to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it underground.

These examples illustrate how carbon capture technologies can be used to prevent or remove carbon emissions from the atmosphere. By capturing and reusing or storing carbon, these technologies can help reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and mitigate the effects of climate change.