Panel discussion: Carbon capture - path to net zero or license to pollute?

Participants (left to right): Tom Buchanan, Karim Badawi and Jeffrey Beyer

In a time where carbon emissions must fall yet economic progress must not, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology offers hope that this is possible. However, does it deliver or is it simply a license to maintain polluting practices and buy offsets?

In a panel discussion titled "Carbon Capture: Path to Net Zero or License to Pollute?" on the second day of the 2024 World Future Energy Summit, a panel of experts shared diverse perspectives on CCS technology.

Moderated by Zest Associates Managing Director Jeffrey Beyer, the panel also featured:

1. Karim Badawi, the Director of New Energy at SLB in Dubai

2. Tom Buchanan, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Climeworks
   

The panel involved a critical question: can CCS be relied on to achieve net zero by 2050, or is it a harmful diversion from renewable energy?

Beyer engages with panelists on the viability of CCS

Buchanan addressed the sustainability aspect of CCS, addressing the complexities of carbon capture, storage and transport. They explored potential environmental consequences and complexities of the CCS life cycle.

Badawi discussed the economics, debating strategies to make CCS technology economically accessible and equitably distributed. Current technology has high implementation costs and equity concerns.

Given the high level of engagement by researchers and policymakers with its incredible promise, the CCS debate will remain central to our zero-carbon future. But the discussion is still ongoing as to whether it will be a true cornerstone of decarbonization or a red herring enabling high emission industries to stall progress.