Greenhouse gas mitigation technology: An overview of the CO2 capture and sequestration studies and further activities of the IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme

The IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme is an international collaboration supported by 16 countries and several industrial organisations. Its purpose is to evaluate technologies for reducing emissions of greenhouse gases. The following are the findings of the first phase of its work: the most appropriate technology for capture of CO2 depends upon the type of power plant and proven technology available. However, capture of CO2 adds substantially to the cost of power generation and reduces plant efficiency. In contrast, storage of CO2, e.g. in the ocean, is unproven but relatively inexpensive. There are major uncertainties about storage, in particular long-range environmental impacts and security. Utilisation of CO2 such as making chemicals has a limited potential.