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INTRODUCTION
Air pollution is one of the critical challenges affecting the health and
wellbeing of people. Globally, air pollution kills nearly 7 million people every
year and is considered the biggest environmental health risk. The Asia-pacific
region accounts for about 70 per cent of deaths globally due to air pollution and
has recorded some of the highest air pollution levels in recent times. Air
pollution is a pressing global issue that poses significant threats to human
health, the environment, and the economy. With rapid urbanization,
industrialization, and increased vehicular emissions, the quality of the air we
breathe is deteriorating at an alarming rate. To address this challenge, scientists,
engineers, policymakers, and businesses are collaborating to develop and
implement innovative technologies to control and reduce air pollution. In this
comprehensive discussion, we will explore various modern technologies and
strategies aimed at mitigating air pollution.
The air we breathe, a fundamental necessity for life, is under siege. Air
pollution, a pervasive and invisible enemy, infiltrates our lungs, impacting our
health and well-being. From respiratory ailments like asthma to chronic heart
disease and even climate change, the consequences are far-reaching. Yet, amidst
this environmental challenge, a glimmer of hope emerges – a wave of
innovative technologies is poised to combat air pollution and usher in a new era
of clean air. This comprehensive exploration delves into these modern marvels,
dissecting how they are revolutionizing air quality control strategies. We will
embark on a journey that explores both preventative measures aimed at nipping
pollution in the bud and post-emission capture technologies designed to clean
the air we breathe. We will also delve into the crucial role of monitoring and
measurement, highlighting how technology empowers us with the knowledge
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needed to win this invisible war. Finally, we will recognize that the path
towards cleaner air demands a collaborative effort, where technological
advancements are coupled with effective policy frameworks, public awareness
campaigns, and international cooperation.
The Silent Threat: Unveiling the Scope of Air Pollution: This section
will paint a stark picture of air pollution, outlining its sources, detrimental
health effects, and impact on the environment. We will explore the
concept of global air quality trends and highlight the urgency of
addressing this challenge.
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explore the potential of urban forests and green infrastructure,
highlighting how nature's own air filtration systems can be strategically
deployed to enhance air quality in urban areas.
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CHAPTER 2
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Industries are major sources of air pollutants, emitting substances such as
particulates, Sulphur compounds, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic
compounds during manufacturing processes. To reduce industrial emissions,
various emission control technologies are employed, including:
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5. Green Infrastructure
Urban Green Spaces: Parks, gardens, and green belts help absorb
pollutants, reduce heat island effects, and improve air quality.
Green Roofs and Walls: Vegetated roofs and walls mitigate urban
heat and pollution by providing additional green space and
enhancing building insulation.
Tree Planting Programs: Strategic tree planting in urban areas helps
capture carbon dioxide, filter pollutants, and enhance overall air
quality.
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CHAPTER 3
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key Objectives of Cleaner Fuel Technologies
Cleaner fuel technologies are guided by several overarching objectives
aimed at achieving environmental sustainability, energy security, and economic
resilience:
Emissions Reduction: The primary goal of cleaner fuel technologies is
to minimize the release of harmful pollutants and greenhouse gases into
the atmosphere, thereby mitigating air pollution and its adverse effects
on human health and the environment.
Resource Efficiency: Cleaner fuels leverage renewable, low-carbon, or
alternative feedstocks to maximize energy efficiency and minimize
resource depletion, promoting sustainable energy use and conservation.
Diversification of Energy Sources: By diversifying the energy mix
and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, cleaner fuel technologies enhance
energy security, resilience to supply disruptions, and geopolitical
stability.
Technological Innovation: Research and development in cleaner fuel
technologies drive technological innovation, cost reductions, and
performance improvements, making clean energy solutions more
competitive and accessible on a global scale.
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energy, fuel cells produce electricity through electrochemical reactions between
hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapor as the only by-product. Hydrogen fuel
cells can be used in a wide range of applications, from passenger cars and buses
to stationary power generation and backup power systems.
3.1.1 Benefits
3.1.2 Challenges
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Cost: Hydrogen fuel cell technology currently faces challenges related to
high upfront costs, including the cost of fuel cells, hydrogen storage
systems, and infrastructure development.
Hydrogen Production: Large-scale production of hydrogen from
renewable sources is limited by factors such as intermittency of
renewable energy sources, electrolysis efficiency, and cost
competitiveness with fossil fuel-based hydrogen production methods.
3.2 BIOFUELS
3.2.1 Benefits
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Renewable Energy: Biofuels offer a renewable alternative to fossil fuels,
reducing reliance on finite resources and promoting energy security.
Greenhouse Gas Reduction: Biofuels typically have lower lifecycle
greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels,
especially when produced from sustainable feedstocks and utilizing
efficient production processes.
Support for Agriculture: Biofuel production can stimulate rural
economies, create jobs, and provide new markets for agricultural
producers, contributing to agricultural diversification and rural
development.
3.2.2 Challenges
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in pilot and commercial-scale projects, with a focus on improving feedstock
flexibility, conversion efficiency, and environmental performance.
3.3.1 Benefits
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3.3.2 Challenges
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CHAPTER 4
CCUS TECHNOLOGY
What is CCUS?
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Fig 4.1 Outline of CCUS Technology
Air Capture: DAC systems use large fans or blowers to draw ambient air
into contact with a sorbent material or solution that selectively captures
CO2 molecules. The sorbent material may consist of amine-based
chemicals, solid adsorbents, or other proprietary materials designed to
efficiently bind with CO2.
CO2 Separation: Once the CO2 is captured by the sorbent material, it
undergoes a separation process to isolate the captured CO 2 from the air.
This separation step may involve heating the sorbent to release the
captured CO2 or using pressure swing adsorption (PSA) or other
techniques to desorb the CO2 from the sorbent.
CO2 Concentration: The captured CO2 is then concentrated to increase
its purity and reduce energy requirements for subsequent processing and
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storage. Concentrating the CO2 stream increases its density and facilitates
transportation and storage.
Storage or Utilization: The concentrated CO2 stream can be stored
underground in geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas
reservoirs, saline aquifers, or deep geological formations, through a
process known as carbon sequestration. Alternatively, the captured CO 2
can be utilized in various applications, such as enhanced oil recovery
(EOR), production of synthetic fuels and chemicals, or mineralization for
long-term storage.
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Fig 4.3 Direct Air Capture
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Challenges and Opportunities
Cost: The high capital and operational costs associated with CCUS
technologies remain a significant barrier to widespread deployment,
particularly in the absence of carbon pricing mechanisms or government
incentives.
Infrastructure: Developing the necessary infrastructure for CO2 capture,
transport, and storage requires significant investment and coordination
among stakeholders, including industry, government, and regulatory
agencies.
Scale: Scaling up CCUS projects to the level required for meaningful
emissions reductions presents technical, logistical, and financial
challenges, particularly in sectors with dispersed emission sources or low
CO2 concentrations.
Public Acceptance: Public perception, regulatory uncertainties, and
concerns about environmental risks associated with CO 2 storage may
impede the development and acceptance of CCUS projects in certain
regions.
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Industrial Decarbonization: CCUS can enable the decarbonization of
hard-to-abate sectors such as cement, steel, and chemicals, which rely
heavily on fossil fuels and process emissions.
Carbon Removal: CCUS can be coupled with bioenergy production to
achieve negative emissions, whereby CO2 is captured from biomass
combustion or bioenergy facilities and stored underground, effectively
removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
Carbon Utilization Opportunities: Carbon utilization pathways offer
additional revenue streams and economic incentives for carbon capture,
providing new markets for CO2-derived products and fostering innovation
in materials science and manufacturing.
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3. Norwegian Full-Scale CCS Project (Norway): The Norwegian Full-Scale
CCS Project, led by Equinor, Shell, and Total, aims to capture CO 2
emissions from industrial sources in the Oslo region and transport it for
storage in geological formations beneath the North Sea. The project targets
emissions from cement production, waste-to-energy facilities, and other
industrial sources.
4. Adnoc Al Reyadah Carbon Capture Project (United Arab Emirates):
The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) operates the Al Reyadah
Carbon Capture Project, which captures CO 2 emissions from a steel
manufacturing plant and a natural gas processing facility in Abu Dhabi. The
captured CO2 is used for EOR in nearby oil fields.
5. Gorgon Carbon Dioxide Injection Project (Australia): The Gorgon
Carbon Dioxide Injection Project, operated by Chevron, captures CO 2 from
the natural gas processing facilities on Barrow Island, Western Australia.
The captured CO2 is injected and stored in deep saline formations beneath
the island.
6. Clime works DAC Plant (Switzerland): Clime works operates one of the
world's first commercial DAC plants in Hinwil, Switzerland. The plant
captures CO2 from ambient air using proprietary sorbent materials and
supplies it to nearby greenhouses for enhanced plant growth or sequesters it
underground through mineralization.
7. Carbon Engineering DAC Facility (Canada): Carbon Engineering, based
in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada, operates a DAC facility that
captures CO2 from ambient air using a chemical process called air contactor
scrubbing. The captured CO2 can be used for EOR, synthetic fuel
production, or storage underground.
8. Sleipner CO2 Injection Project (Norway): The Sleipner CO2 Injection
Project, operated by Equinor in the North Sea, captures CO 2 from natural gas
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processing and injects it into a saline aquifer beneath the seabed. The
injected CO2 is used for EOR in nearby oil fields.
9. Weyburn-Midale CO2 Project (Canada): The Weyburn-Midale CO2
Project, located in Saskatchewan, Canada, injects CO 2 captured from a coal
gasification plant in North Dakota into depleted oil fields for EOR. The
project has been operational since the early 2000s and has sequestered
millions of metric tons of CO2.
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Fig 4.4 Application of CCUS
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION
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CO2 emissions from industrial processes, enhancing energy security, and
enabling the transition to a low-carbon economy. Furthermore, advancements in
monitoring and data analytics enable more accurate assessment of air quality
and pollutant emissions, empowering policymakers, businesses, and individuals
to make informed decisions and take proactive measures to mitigate air
pollution. As we continue to confront the challenges of air pollution and climate
change, collaboration among governments, industry, academia, and civil society
is essential for accelerating the deployment and adoption of modern air
pollution control technologies. Through concerted efforts, strategic investments,
and policy support, we can build a cleaner, healthier future for all, safeguarding
the well-being of current and future generations while preserving the integrity
of our planet.
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