6.6C - Radical Technologies to Reduce Carbon Emissions
Radical technologies, including carbon capture and storage and alternative energy sources (hydrogen fuel cells, electric vehicles) could reduce carbon emissions but uncertainty exists as to how far this is possible.
Carbon Capture and Storage
This involves 'capturing' the carbon dioxide released by the burning of fossil fuel, and burying it deep underground. Unfortunately, it is an expensive process because of the complex technology involved. There is also some uncertainty over whether the stored carbon will stay trapped underground or if it will slowly leak to the surface and into the atmosphere.
Since it is widely accepted that fossil fuel will continue to provide most of the world's primary energy, development of the carbon capture and storage technology must be given a high priority, as must also the slightly different technology that 'scrubs' some of the carbon dioxide out of exhausts produced by the burning of fossil fuels.
Since it is widely accepted that fossil fuel will continue to provide most of the world's primary energy, development of the carbon capture and storage technology must be given a high priority, as must also the slightly different technology that 'scrubs' some of the carbon dioxide out of exhausts produced by the burning of fossil fuels.
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
These combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity, heat and water. They will produce electricity for as long as hydrogen is supplied and never lose their charge. They are a promising technology for use as a source of heat and electricity for buildings, and as a power source for electric vehicles.
The challenge with this technology is finding a cheap and easy source of hydrogen. Although it is a simple and abundant chemical element, it does not occur naturally as a gas. It is always combined with other elements, for example with oxygen in water. Once this challenge has been met, these cells offer the real prospect of reducing carbon emissions.
A world free from the need to burn fossil fuels for energy is highly improbable. However, a world deriving much of its energy from renewable and recyclable sources and making full use of the hydrogen fuel cell, does promise much less disturbance of the carbon cycle, its stores and fluxes.
The challenge with this technology is finding a cheap and easy source of hydrogen. Although it is a simple and abundant chemical element, it does not occur naturally as a gas. It is always combined with other elements, for example with oxygen in water. Once this challenge has been met, these cells offer the real prospect of reducing carbon emissions.
A world free from the need to burn fossil fuels for energy is highly improbable. However, a world deriving much of its energy from renewable and recyclable sources and making full use of the hydrogen fuel cell, does promise much less disturbance of the carbon cycle, its stores and fluxes.