Glossary
Biologic carbon sequestration: Sometimes called terrestrial sequestration; refers to the storage of CO2 in vegetation, soils, and aquatic environments, i.e., by encouraging the growth of trees or restoring wetlands.
Carbon sequestration: Broad term usually referring to the capture and storage of CO2.
CCS: Carbon capture and storage/sequestration—Capturing human-made CO2 at its source and storing to prevent its release into the atmosphere.
CCUS: Carbon capture, utilization, and storage/sequestration—The captured CO2 is utilized in some way, typically for enhanced oil recovery.
CO2: Carbon dioxide.
DAC: Direct air capture—The capturing of CO2 directly from the atmosphere.
EOR: Enhanced oil recovery—The “U” of CCUS; EOR involves injecting CO2 into an oil reservoir to increase production by lowering the viscosity of the oil, which allows it to be pumped more easily from the formation. Used to extract more oil from aging oil fields.
Geologic carbon sequestration: The process of storing CO2 in underground geologic formations.
(Gray, Blue, or Breen) Hydrogen: A carbon-free fuel that when burned produces only heat and O2. Increasingly promoted as a solution for decarbonizing sectors that require liquid fuels or that are difficult to electrify.
IIJA: The Federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) which was signed by President Biden in November 2021.
Net-zero: A nebulous term referring to emissions and promoted by some as meaning an overall balance between emissions produced and emissions taken out of the atmosphere. Net-zero seems to have replaced the term carbon neutral in some arenas. Net-zero can also be achieved by eliminating emissions.
Mt: Metric ton. 1000 kilograms equivalent to 2200 pounds or 2.2 English tons.
Tertiary recovery: Another name for EOR
|