Bahrain Can Be A Hub for Carbon Capture

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage(CCUS) is a cutting edge technology tool used worldwide to capture Co2 emissions from industrial sources such as power plants and factories and prevent these emissions from entering the atmosphere. Such captured carbon is repurposed for making products like fuels, plastics and concrete besides achieving net zero targets. In terms of storage, under CCUS the Co2 is compressed and injected into secure underground rock formations. In today’s world of oppressive climate change conditions, CCUS is crucial as it mitigates emissions from hard to abate sectors like cement, steel and chemical production.

In the realm of CCUS, Bahrain is making impressive strides. According to studies Bahrain’s geological carbon storage capacity exceeds its domestic needs, thereby creating opportunities for cross border carbon sequestration and in the process be on the path to become a regional hub for carbon capture and storage. Already as of late 2023 Bapco Energies and Mitsui O.S.K Lines signed an MOU for transporting liquified Co2 from Asia-Pacific region to permanent storage sites in Bahrain. This is also in line with Bahrain’s aim to achieve net zero target by 2060. But a lot more is possible in the field of CCUS to make it more efficient and help in making net zero emissions a faster reality.

In addition to the outstanding measures already undertaken by Bahrain in the field of CCUS, the nation can look at using advanced technology to lower the costs so that long term sustainability of the initiative is assured. Similarly, measures such as the creation of market demand for synthetic fuels such as sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) or green methanol can help replace fossil-based alternatives. Additionally, the mineralisation of Co2 for usage building materials can further help reduce carbon footprint and related emissions. Bahrain can also put captured Co2 to large scale use for producing green urea thereby increase agricultural yield in eco friendly manner.

Bahrain can also scale up CCUS mainstreaming strategies such as Direct Air Capture (DAC) and enhancing chemical and biological conversion. Furthermore, the development of carbon nanomaterial from captured Co2 is an emerging field with significant potential. Carbon nano-materials such as carbon nanotubes and graphene have exceptional properties that make them highly useful in electronics, energy storage and construction. These materials can be synthesised using Co2 as a carbon source, turning harmful greenhouse gas into a resource for advanced technologies. These measures can help cement Bahrain’s regional leadership in CCUS and help fight climate change.

Bahrain has solid Carbon capture, storage & utilisation credentials, which can be further improved with advanced technology based strategies.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of The Daily Tribune)