The current status of CCS development in Brazil

Abstract The IEA CCS Roadmap highlighted the significance that CCS will play in achieving an atmospheric CO 2 stabilization on 450 ppm. In the scenario it is based on, CCS will provide approximately 20% of the total CO 2 emissions reductions out to 2050. To achieve this contribution it will require an ambitious CCS growth path with 100 projects needed globally by 2020 and over 3000 by 2050. In both 2020 and 2050 the major developing countries will need to contribute to this deployment. Brazil has a unique electricity and emissions profile. Over 80% of Brazils electricity is produced from hydropower with the rest being made up by a combination of fossil fuels, biomass, and nuclear. This means the energy emissions in Brazil are relatively low. Many people within Brazil see stopping the deforestation of the Amazon as the key emissions reduction mechanism for Brazil. However, the contribution to CO 2 emissions from coal is expected to increase due to 6000 MW of coal power that is planned to be installed in Brazil by 2030, although this still only represents 2.7% of grid compared to 83% from renewables. CCS in Brazil will be more relevant to industry rather than for electricity generation. In particular CCS could be crucial for the development of some of the “Pre-salt” petrol eum fields which bring new challenges. Although there are no conclusive studies on the concentration o f carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in the region, some wells have shown concentrations of CO 2 above those found in the Campos Basin, while others showed concentrations close to zero. Still, Petrobras have proactively committed to not releasing to the atmosphere, the CO 2 associated with the natural gas produced in the pre-salt layer. In addition, the pre-salt oil is considered of good quality, light oil and therefore, the refining process consumes less energy and will emit less CO 2 when compared to the processing of heavier crude. This paper looks to discuss the current status of CCS in Brazil. This includes looking at the current status of a number of demonstration projects that are already underway in Brazil as well as additional ones that are planned. The paper will also discuss the. Public awareness and engagement about CCS given the crucial role the public play in the smooth progress of projects.