🌍 Group Discussion Analysis Guide

The Role of Carbon Capture Technology in Mitigating Climate Change

📖 Introduction to the Topic

Opening Context

“Carbon capture technology represents a pivotal innovation in the global effort to combat climate change, aligning with international commitments such as the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to well below 2°C.”

Topic Background

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) aims to trap carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial and energy-related sources before they enter the atmosphere, storing them underground. Though introduced decades ago, the urgency of climate action has brought CCS to the forefront of global discussions.

📊 Quick Facts and Key Statistics

• Global CCS Capacity: Approximately 44 million metric tons of CO₂ captured annually, growing by 20% from 2022-2023.
• Cost of CCS: $30–120 per ton of CO₂ removed, with ongoing innovation aimed at cost reduction.
• Major Projects: Sleipner Project in Norway, capturing 1 million tons/year since 1996.
• Impact Potential: CCS can reduce emissions from fossil fuels by up to 90%.
• Policy Influence: Over 30 countries have adopted CCS-related policies.

🤝 Stakeholders and Their Roles

• Governments: Enact policies, provide subsidies, and regulate deployment.
• Corporations: Develop and implement CCS technologies (e.g., ExxonMobil, Shell).
• NGOs: Advocate for sustainable practices and monitor implementation impacts.
• Research Institutions: Innovate technology to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
• Public: Drive demand for low-carbon solutions through activism and market choices.

✅ Achievements and Challenges

Achievements

• Reduction in Emissions: Sleipner and Petra Nova projects demonstrate CCS’s feasibility.
• Increased Adoption: Over 150 CCS facilities in development globally.
• Innovative Applications: Integration with direct air capture for enhanced removal.

Challenges

• High Costs: Current deployment remains economically challenging for widespread use.
• Energy Use: CCS requires significant energy, creating paradoxical emissions concerns.
• Limited Scale: Current projects are insufficient to meet climate goals.

Global Comparisons

• Norway: Leader in CCS innovation with government-backed facilities.
• China: Developing large-scale CCS projects to address coal dependence.

Case Studies

• Boundary Dam Project, Canada: Captures 1 million tons/year but faced cost overruns.

🔍 Structured Arguments for Discussion

• Supporting Stance: “Carbon capture is essential for hard-to-abate sectors like cement and steel, where renewable alternatives are not viable yet.”
• Opposing Stance: “The high cost of CCS diverts resources from more effective solutions like renewable energy expansion.”
• Balanced Perspective: “While CCS is not a panacea, it complements renewables and offsets industrial emissions.”

📈 Effective Discussion Approaches

• Opening Approaches:
  • Statistical Hook: “CCS could mitigate 20% of global emissions by 2050, yet current adoption is at a mere fraction of its potential.”
  • Impact Focus: “Industries like cement, which contribute 8% of CO₂ emissions, cannot decarbonize without CCS.”
• Counter-Argument Handling:
  • Highlight advancements lowering costs.
  • Emphasize that CCS supports sectors unable to transition quickly.

🛠 Strategic Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

• Strengths: Proven technology; complements renewable energy; scalable.
• Weaknesses: High costs; limited infrastructure; energy-intensive.
• Opportunities: Policy incentives; global partnerships; innovation funding.
• Threats: Competition from renewables; lack of public trust; political delays.

📚 Connecting with B-School Applications

• Real-World Applications: CCS’s role in carbon trading markets or as a B-school case study on innovation and policy.
• Sample Interview Questions:
  • “Discuss how CCS complements renewable energy in achieving net-zero goals.”
  • “What are the economic implications of large-scale CCS deployment?”
• Insights for B-School Students:
  • Investigate CCS’s ROI in corporate sustainability.
  • Explore public-private partnerships funding CCS projects.