skip to content

MPhil in Engineering for Sustainable Development

global challenges, engineering solutions
 

Development of integrated carbon capture & storage technologies in the uk

Muhammad Abbas

Development of integrated carbon capture & storage technologies in the uk

The deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies is gaining worldwide importance as a means to secure the supply of energy and cope with the challenge of climate change. CCS is also regarded as an essential bridging technology that will help meet emission targets, while sufficient renewable generation systems are installed. There is uncertainty about the future role of CCS in the UK because it does not yet exist in the scale and form that is needed. This study uses an innovation systems approach to review the development of CCS technologies and explores the challenges (barriers) to commercial scale deployment in the UK. This study provides policy recommendations to technology managers that wish to stimulate commercial scale deployment of CCS technologies in the UK.

The understanding of drivers and barriers to the technology’s future deployment in the UK helps identify weak functions of CCS innovation systems, i.e. guidance of the search, market creation, mobilization of resources, and creation of legitimacy. This report finds that commercial scale demonstration projects that integrate the whole CCS chain are necessary to gain practical experience and reduce any associated financial and technical risks. It is argued that public funding for the demonstration of CCS is insufficient and uncertain. Additional incentives will be needed to remove the financial disadvantage created by CCS. Oil and gas companies can reduce risk by working together in partnerships. Strong market signals through government’s intervention are required to attract companies to build large scale CCS plants in the UK. Implementing a clear financial and regulatory framework can help gain public trust in CCS applications.

 

Course Overview

Context

The need to engage in better problem definition through careful dialogue with all stakeholder groups and a proper recognition of context.

Perspectives

An ability to work with specialists from other disciplines and professional groups acknowledging that technical innovation and business skills also must be understood, nurtured and combined as precursors to the successful implementation of sustainable solutions.

Change

An understanding of mechanisms for managing change in organisations so future engineers are equipped to play a leadership role.

Tools

An awareness of a range of assessment frameworks, sustainability metrics and methodologies such as Life Cycle Analysis, Systems Dynamics, Multi-Criteria Decision making and Impact Assessment.