Big Tech's Carbon Removal Plans Spark Concerns
In a surprise move, several major tech companies have invested heavily in a carbon removal tactic known as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS). Microsoft, JP Morgan Chase, and a consortium of Alphabet, Meta, Shopify, and Stripe have signed multimillion-dollar deals to install carbon scrubbing equipment at paper mills, capturing hundreds of thousands of tons of greenhouse gas.
The captured CO2 will be piped into saline aquifers over a mile underground, where it is expected to remain sequestered permanently. This approach has gained traction among Big Tech companies seeking to offset their significant carbon footprints. However, experts have raised concerns about the efficacy and scalability of BECCS.
"BECCS is not a silver bullet for addressing climate change," said Dr. Emily Cassidy, a senior research fellow at the University of Oxford's Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment. "While it can provide some emissions reductions, it also has significant limitations and potential drawbacks."
The BECCS process involves growing biomass (such as crops or wood chips) to produce energy, which is then used to power carbon capture equipment. The captured CO2 is injected into underground storage sites, where it is expected to remain for thousands of years.
Critics argue that BECCS is a costly and inefficient method of carbon removal, requiring significant amounts of land, water, and energy to operate. Additionally, the process can lead to land-use changes, such as deforestation or soil degradation, which can have unintended consequences on ecosystems.
Despite these concerns, Big Tech companies see BECCS as a necessary step towards reducing their carbon emissions. "We believe that BECCS has the potential to play a significant role in our efforts to achieve net-zero emissions," said a Microsoft spokesperson.
Meanwhile, another company is making waves in the nuclear energy sector with its next-generation reactors. Kairos Power, a startup based in California, is developing molten salt-cooled reactors that promise reliable and decarbonized power. The company has already constructed prototypes and secured permits for several reactors.
Kairos' technology uses molten salt to cool its reactions, eliminating the need for water cooling systems. This approach reduces the risk of radioactive leaks and makes nuclear energy more efficient and safer.
"Nuclear energy is a critical component of our clean energy future," said Dr. Zachary Bertsch, Kairos Power's CEO. "Our reactors have the potential to provide reliable power while minimizing waste and environmental impacts."
As Big Tech companies continue to invest in carbon removal technologies, experts warn that more research is needed to fully understand their effectiveness and scalability. Meanwhile, innovative startups like Kairos Power are pushing the boundaries of nuclear energy, offering a promising path towards a decarbonized future.
Background:
BECCS has been touted as a potential solution for removing CO2 from the atmosphere, but its efficacy and scalability remain uncertain. The process requires significant amounts of land, water, and energy to operate, raising concerns about its environmental impacts.
Additional Perspectives:
Dr. Cassidy notes that BECCS is often misunderstood as a "carbon sink," when in fact it is more accurately described as a "carbon storage" method. "We need to be clear about what we're talking about here," she said. "BECCS is not a magic bullet for addressing climate change."
Current Status and Next Developments:
The BECCS deals signed by Big Tech companies are expected to capture hundreds of thousands of tons of CO2 in the coming years. However, experts warn that more research is needed to fully understand the effectiveness and scalability of this approach.
Kairos Power's next-generation reactors are currently under construction, with several permits secured for deployment. The company plans to deploy its first commercial reactor by 2025, marking a significant milestone in the development of advanced nuclear energy technologies.
*Reporting by Technologyreview.*
