It is possible to reach a future with net-zero carbon emissions, meaning that for all emissions released an equal amount of emissions are taken out of the air through biological or technical means, according to a new report from oil giant Shell. “In spite of the many challenges, the practical details of providing enough energy for a better life for everyone with net-zero emissions can be envisaged – and that is reassuring, even inspiring. But getting there will not be easy,” the report says.
There are four main sectors in which work will need to be done to reach net-zero, two of which are likely to require carbon capture and storage technology: power, buildings, transport, and industry.
To reduce emissions in power, zero-emissions technology, including renewable technologies and nuclear, “will need to progressively displace coal and become the largest share of the power sector,” Shell said. In the future envisioned by Shell there is still room for some hydrocarbons, “including gas and biomass combined with CCS,” the report states further.
CCS will also be necessary for industry, perhaps even more so than in energy, according to the report. “CCS seems the only viable route to eliminate the bulk of emissions from activities such as steel- and cement-making on a reasonable timescale,” the report says.
