📋 Group Discussion Analysis Guide

Should Carbon Capture Technology Be Mandatory for Industries with High Emissions?

🌍 Introduction to the Topic

• 🌐 Opening Context: “The race to achieve net-zero emissions is intensifying, and carbon capture technology (CCT) is emerging as a critical tool in mitigating climate change.”
• 📖 Topic Background: Carbon capture involves capturing CO2 emissions from industrial sources and storing them underground or utilizing them for other purposes. As global CO2 levels hit a record high of 419 ppm in 2023, mandating CCT for high-emission industries is increasingly debated.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• 🌍 Global CO2 Emissions: 36.8 billion metric tons in 2023, with heavy industries contributing 30%.
• 📉 CCT Efficiency: Can capture up to 90% of CO2 emissions from point sources.
• 💰 Cost Factor: $65–100 per ton of CO2 captured, potentially reducing as technology scales.
• 🏭 Adoption: 44 large-scale CCS facilities operational globally (Global CCS Institute, 2023).
• 🌍 Net-Zero Commitments: 137 countries have pledged net-zero targets by 2050.

🌍 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• 🏛️ Government Agencies: Formulate policies, provide subsidies, and regulate emissions.
• 🏢 Industries: Adopt CCT to comply with regulations or voluntarily improve sustainability.
• 🌱 Environmental Organizations: Advocate for stricter emissions control and assess technology impacts.
• 🌐 Global Bodies: Institutions like the UN monitor global emissions and recommend frameworks.

🏆 Achievements and Challenges

Achievements:

• 🌟 Norway’s Sleipner Project: Captures 1 million tons of CO2 annually since 1996.
• 💰 U.S. Tax Credit for CCS Projects (45Q): Spurred significant adoption.
• 🔬 Research Funding: Enhanced efficiency and scalability of the technology.

Challenges:

• 💸 High Implementation Costs: Smaller firms face financial barriers.
• 🏗️ Infrastructure Limitations: CO2 transportation and storage systems are underdeveloped.
• ⚠️ Public Opposition: Concerns about storage safety hinder adoption.

📖 Global Comparisons:

• 🇳🇴 Success: Norway’s policies include carbon pricing, making CCT economically viable.
• 🌍 Challenges: Developing countries face difficulties with high initial investments and expertise gaps.

💬 Structured Arguments for Discussion

• ✅ Supporting Stance: “Mandatory CCT adoption will help meet global climate goals and accelerate technology affordability through scaling.”
• ❌ Opposing Stance: “High costs and limited effectiveness for certain industries make mandatory adoption premature.”
• ⚖️ Balanced Perspective: “While mandatory CCT could drive emissions reductions, supportive policies and incentives are essential to address economic and technical barriers.”

🗣️ Effective Discussion Approaches

Opening Approaches:

• 📊 Start with alarming emissions statistics to highlight urgency.
• 📖 Reference successful international case studies like Norway’s Sleipner.

Counter-Argument Handling:

• 💡 Acknowledge cost barriers but present examples of government subsidies reducing adoption costs.
• ⚙️ Discuss the need for a phased approach, starting with major emitters.

📊 Strategic Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

• 💪 Strengths: Proven reduction of emissions in operational projects; technological advancements improving scalability.
• ❌ Weaknesses: High costs deter SMEs; dependence on fossil fuels can delay transition to renewables.
• 🌟 Opportunities: Integration with hydrogen production for cleaner fuel; collaboration between developed and developing countries.
• ⚠️ Threats: Public opposition due to safety concerns; risk of focusing on temporary solutions over renewable transitions.

🎓 Connecting with B-School Applications

• 🌐 Real-World Applications:
• Linking CCT to sustainable finance initiatives.
• Incorporating technology analysis in operations or supply chain projects.
• 🎯 Sample Interview Questions:
• “How can CCT be integrated with renewable energy initiatives?”
• “Discuss the role of CCT in achieving global net-zero targets.”
• 📘 Insights for B-School Students:
• Focus on cost-benefit analysis of green technologies.
• Understand policy frameworks shaping industrial transitions.