The carbon conundrum: GCC perspectives

Abstract

The solution to the carbon conundrum does not seem to be within reach in the short or medium term, despite significant advances and knowledge gains in demonstration scale CCS facilities. This stems from the fact that currently carbon management has no binding policies and legal framework. Without this legislation, it is unlikely that international cooperation in carbon trade and management would flourish. The situation is also exacerbated by doubts about the suitability of sites and global capacity to store captured CO 2 . Sophisticated cost models have been developed for carbon capture and storage, and these indicate that cost reduction in the complete carbon value chain should be focused on the capture phase as this is the most energy intensive. However, there are uncertainties about properly costing carbon storage as this should involve search for suitable site location costs. The GCC states have characteristics that make them one of the largest consumers of fresh water and energy in the world, and by default emitters of CO 2 per capita. There are currently no demonstration or commercial scale CCS facilities in the GCC and in the short term, it is unlikely to be the case given that current carbon capture technologies favor coal rather than natural gas as fuel in power plants. It is also unlikely that underground carbon storage be considered in the short term, given the risk of CO 2 plume migration that may displace brine in saline formations into strata containing hydrocarbon resources or potable. It is therefore imperative that substantial research be conducted to identify storage sites, reduce energy consumption in carbon capture and develop alternatives to CCS in the form of carbon conversion into useful products or minerals with low environmental impact. The GCC have tremendous opportunities to lead the world in carbon management given their strong experience in hydrocarbon processing. However, this may only be successful if agreed policies and legal frameworks are in place to facilitate a robust carbon pricing.