A model for the CO2 capture potential

Abstract Global warming is a result of increasing anthropogenic CO 2 emissions, and the consequences will be dramatic climate changes if no action is taken. One of the main global challenges in the years to come is therefore to reduce the CO 2 emissions. Increasing energy efficiency and a transition to renewable energy as the major energy source can reduce CO 2 emissions, but such measures can only lead to significant emission reductions in the long-term. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a promising technological option for reducing CO 2 emissions on a shorter time scale. A model to calculate the CO 2 capture potential has been developed, and it is estimated that 25 billion tonnes CO 2 can be captured and stored within the EU by 2050. Globally, 236 billion tonnes CO 2 can be captured and stored by 2050. The calculations indicate that wide implementation of CCS can reduce CO 2 emissions by 54% in the EU and 33% globally in 2050 compared to emission levels today. Such a reduction in emissions is not sufficient to stabilize the climate. Therefore, the strategy to achieve the necessary CO 2 emissions reductions must be a combination of (1) increasing energy efficiency, (2) switching from fossil fuel to renewable energy sources, and (3) wide implementation of CCS.