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Challenges ahead for the CCUS pathway Borneo Post Online

This technology has garnered significant attention in recent years, with various industries adopting it to reduce their carbon footprint.

  • Power Generation: CCUS can be used to capture CO2 emissions from power plants, reducing their carbon footprint and improving air quality.
  • Industrial Processes: CCUS can be applied to various industrial processes, such as cement production, steel manufacturing, and chemical processing.
  • Carbon Mineralisation: CCUS can also be used to convert CO2 into stable solid minerals, which can be used in construction materials.Economic Viability of CCUS
  • While CCUS is a critical solution to decarbonise operations, it also has economic implications.

    The Carbon Storage Potential of Malaysia

    Malaysia’s unique geography and geology make it an attractive location for carbon storage.

    The Energy Transition in Sarawak

    The energy transition in Sarawak is a significant development that has garnered considerable attention in recent years.

    The Rise of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) in Malaysia

    The state of Sarawak in Malaysia has taken a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint by becoming the first state in the country to pass a law regulating carbon emissions.

    The Regulatory Framework of Sarawak

    Sarawak, a state in Malaysia, has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for carbon-related activities, positioning itself as a leader in the sector.

    The Paris Agreement and Malaysia’s Commitments The Paris Agreement, an international accord signed in 2015, sets the global framework for addressing climate change. The agreement emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

    The project s carbon capture rate was only 1.4%, which is significantly lower than the 5% target. The project s high cost was also a major concern, with estimates suggesting it would cost over $1 billion to capture just 1 ton of CO2.

  • Complexity of the technology
  • High cost of equipment and materials
  • Need for large-scale infrastructure development
  • Economic challenges:
  • High upfront costs
  • Uncertainty in carbon pricing and policy
  • Limited access to funding and investment
  • The Role of Government Support in Overcoming CCS Challenges

    Government support is crucial in overcoming the challenges faced by CCS projects.

    This is a far cry from the 50 per cent capture rate that the industry had hoped for. The current technology is not yet capable of capturing all the carbon dioxide emissions from the power plants, and the industry is still in the experimental phase.

  • Lack of cost-effectiveness: CCUS technology is still relatively expensive, making it difficult for companies to justify the investment.
  • Limited scalability: The current technology is not yet capable of capturing all the carbon dioxide emissions from power plants, and scaling up production is a significant challenge.
  • Regulatory hurdles: The industry is still in the experimental phase, and regulatory frameworks are not yet in place to support the widespread adoption of CCUS technology.
  • Public perception: There is a lack of public awareness and understanding of the benefits and limitations of CCUS technology, which can make it difficult to gain support for its adoption.Current State of CCUS Technology
  • CCUS technology is still in its early stages of development, and significant advancements are needed to make it more efficient and cost-effective. Currently, CCUS technology is used in a limited number of power plants, primarily in the United States and Europe. • Post-combustion capture: This method involves capturing carbon dioxide from the flue gas of a power plant after combustion. • Pre-combustion capture: This method involves capturing carbon dioxide from the fuel before it is combusted.

    The Challenge of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

    The Petronas Kasawari CCS project, located off the coast of Bintulu in Malaysia, is a significant undertaking in the realm of carbon capture and storage (CCS). CCS is a technology designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources by capturing the CO2 emissions and storing them underground.

    The CCUS Bill: A Closer Look

    The CCUS Bill, also known as the Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Bill, aims to promote the development and deployment of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies in the United States. The bill was passed by the U.S.

    Understanding the Risks of CCUS Projects

    CCUS projects are designed to capture and utilize carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources. However, these projects carry inherent risks that must be carefully considered. • Carbon dioxide leakage: This is a significant concern, as even a small leak can have devastating environmental consequences.

    The Importance of Financial Mechanisms for CCUS

    Financial mechanisms are crucial for the successful implementation of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) projects. Without adequate funding, CCUS projects are unlikely to move forward, and the benefits of reducing greenhouse gas emissions will not be realized.

  • Tax credits for CCUS projects
  • Grants for research and development
  • Low-interest loans for CCUS project financing
  • Private Sector Investment

    Private sector investment is also essential for the development and deployment of CCUS technology. Companies can invest in CCUS projects through various financial models, such as joint ventures, partnerships, and equity investments.

    This is achieved through a combination of government subsidies and tax incentives.

  • The government guarantee provides a stable carbon price, reducing the risk of project failure due to market fluctuations.
  • The guarantee allows CCUS projects to access capital markets, enabling them to raise funds and finance their projects.Case Study: The UK’s Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project
  • The UK’s CCS project is a prime example of the benefits of government guarantee in ensuring the bankability of CCUS projects. The project aims to capture CO2 emissions from industrial sources and store them underground.

    The Role of the Model in Risk-Sharing Arrangements

    The model plays a crucial role in facilitating risk-sharing arrangements between the private sector and the government. By guaranteeing a certain IRR, the model provides a level of security for private sector investors, enabling them to take on projects that might otherwise be deemed too risky.

  • Reduced risk: By guaranteeing a certain IRR, the model reduces the risk for private sector investors, allowing them to invest in projects that might otherwise be too risky.
  • Increased investment: The model’s guarantee of a certain IRR enables private sector investors to invest in projects that might otherwise be deemed too risky, leading to increased investment in the sector.
  • Improved project outcomes: By reducing the risk for private sector investors, the model enables them to invest in projects that are more likely to succeed, leading to improved project outcomes.The Role of Risk-Sharing Arrangements in Private Sector Investment
  • Risk-sharing arrangements, such as insurance, play a crucial role in enabling private sector investment.

    This can attract more investments to CCUS. CCS Plus is a collaborative project that brings together government agencies, industry associations, and non-profit organizations. It aims to create a comprehensive framework for CCUS development in the United States. CCS Plus aims to increase public awareness and understanding of CCUS. It also aims to increase public engagement and participation in CCUS.

    This approach would not only reduce emissions but also create new revenue streams for companies.

  • Reduced emissions: By investing in CCUS technologies, companies can significantly reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
  • New revenue streams: The sale of CCUS credits can generate new revenue streams for companies, providing a financial incentive to invest in low-carbon technologies.
  • Increased competitiveness: Companies that embed CCUS credits into their supply chains can differentiate themselves from competitors, enhancing their market competitiveness.Case Study: Samsung Electronics
  • Samsung Electronics, a leading electronics manufacturer, has already begun exploring the use of CCUS credits in its supply chain. The company has partnered with a CCUS technology provider to invest in a carbon capture facility, which will capture CO2 emissions from its manufacturing processes. • By embedding CCUS credits into its supply chain, Samsung Electronics can reduce its greenhouse gas emissions while also generating revenue through the sale of these credits.

    If you don’t sell the credits, your product will be lower in carbon intensity, but you will not benefit from the selling of the credits. Companies will need to weigh the benefits of selling carbon credits against the cost of the credits themselves. The costs of carbon credits include the initial cost of obtaining the credits, which can range from $10 to $30 per ton of CO2. This cost can be a significant burden for companies, especially those that operate in the transportation sector, where costs can be high. Additionally, the cost of the credits can impact the company’s bottom line, which may affect their ability to invest in other initiatives that could reduce their carbon intensity. On the other hand, companies that sell carbon credits can potentially benefit from the revenue generated. The revenue from selling carbon credits can range from $10 to $30 per ton of CO2, depending on the market demand and the type of credits being sold. This revenue can be used to offset the costs of obtaining the credits, as well as to invest in initiatives that reduce carbon intensity. In some cases, companies that sell carbon credits can even generate a profit, especially if they have a high demand for their credits. However, this profit may not be sustainable in the long term, as the cost of obtaining the credits may eventually exceed the revenue generated by selling them. Ultimately, the decision to sell or not sell carbon credits depends on a company’s specific situation and goals. Companies that prioritize reducing their carbon intensity should focus on investing in initiatives that directly reduce emissions, rather than relying on selling credits. However, companies that rely on selling credits to offset their costs may need to weigh the benefits against the costs of obtaining the credits. If the revenue generated from selling credits is not sufficient to offset the costs, the company may need to consider alternative options, such as investing in new technologies or processes that can reduce their carbon intensity.

    The Emissions Trading System (ETS)

    The Emissions Trading System (ETS) is a market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    The Rise of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) in Malaysia

    Malaysia has been actively exploring the potential of Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to the global effort to combat climate change.

    This is based on the assumption that the emissions are captured through the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.

  • Energy production and consumption
  • Agriculture and forestry
  • Industrial processes
  • Transportation
  • The Potential of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Technology

    Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial sources.

    This can be achieved through a carbon pricing mechanism.

  • The CO2 emissions must be captured at the source, which requires significant investment in new equipment and infrastructure.
  • The captured CO2 must be transported to a storage site, which can be a long distance and requires specialized equipment.
  • The CO2 must be stored in a geological formation, which requires careful planning and monitoring to ensure that it does not leak back into the atmosphere.Commercial Challenges
  • CCS is a costly technology, and the commercial viability of CCS is a major challenge.

    Technical Measures for Cost Reduction

    The technical measures that could reduce the costs of CCS by 10 to 20 percent by 2030 and beyond are numerous and varied. These measures include:

  • Improving the efficiency of existing CCS technologies
  • Developing new CCS technologies that are more cost-effective
  • Enhancing the scalability of CCS systems
  • Improving the integration of CCS with other low-carbon technologies
  • Developing more efficient methods for capturing CO2 from power plants and industrial processes
  • These technical measures have the potential to significantly reduce the costs of CCS, making it a more viable option for Southeast Asia. By investing in these measures, countries in the region can reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and transition to a more sustainable energy mix.

  • Attract more investment in the clean energy sector
  • Create new job opportunities in the clean energy sector
  • Stimulate economic growth through the development of new industries
  • Improve the competitiveness of industries in the region
  • The economic benefits of CCS can also be seen in the potential for increased trade and cooperation between countries in the region.

    Malaysia’s Decarbonisation Ambitions

    Malaysia has set its sights on becoming a leader in regional decarbonisation efforts, driven by its vast natural resources and strategic location. The country’s abundant natural storage sites, including peatlands, forests, and wetlands, offer a unique opportunity to sequester carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change.

  • High carbon sequestration potential
  • Abundant water resources
  • Diverse ecosystems
  • Potential for co-benefits for biodiversity and human well-being
  • Policy Support for Decarbonisation

    The Malaysian government has provided significant policy support for decarbonisation efforts through the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) and New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030). These policies aim to promote the development of low-carbon industries, increase energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. • Key features of the NETR and NIMP 2030:

  • Promote low-carbon industries
  • Increase energy efficiency
  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
  • Encourage sustainable land use practices
  • Opportunities for Regional Cooperation

    Malaysia’s decarbonisation ambitions offer opportunities for regional cooperation and collaboration.

    Further details on this topic will be provided shortly.

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