What is CO₂ and CCUS?

CO₂ is the chemical formula for the molecule carbon dioxide, which consists of one atom of carbon bonded to two oxygen atoms. Carbon dioxide is released during the complete combustion of carbon and carbon-containing compounds, like coal, lignite (brown coal) and natural gas.

Too much CO₂ in the atmosphere causes climate breakdown. It is possible to capture the CO₂ that is released during combustion and keep it from being emitted into the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ can be stored deep under the ground and even used as a source of energy. The processes and technology used to achieve all of this are referred to as ‘carbon capture, utilisation and storage’ or ‘CCUS’.

CCUS is one of the few ways in which energy-intensive industries, such as refineries and chemical plants, can avoid large quantities of CO₂ emissions in the short term and at relatively low cost. This enables these industries to contribute to the realisation of the climate goals and keeps them in our economy.