At Patagonia Land Conservation, we are always on the lookout for innovative solutions to combat climate change. One promising avenue is the implementation of Negative Emission Technologies and Practices (NETPs). These technologies aim to remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and store it permanently, complementing emissions reduction efforts.
Negative Emission Technologies and Practices (NETPs) are crucial for removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it permanently on land, underground, or in the ocean. According to the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is essential to compensate for residual greenhouse gas emissions and prevent temperature overshoot by 2100. Carbon Dioxide Removal is a key component in limiting warming to 1.5°C. Currently, bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and afforestation/reforestation are the most widely recognized NETPs in published climate pathways.
Here’s a look at some key NETPs
1. Afforestation and Reforestation
Planting trees and restoring forests is one of the most natural ways to capture CO₂. Forests act as carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ through photosynthesis and storing it in biomass and soil.
Afforestation is the planting of new forests on lands that historically have not contained forests, whilst reforestation is the planting of forests on lands that have previously contained forests but that have been converted to some other use.
2. Enhanced Weathering
This process involves spreading minerals over large areas of land or ocean to accelerate natural chemical reactions that capture CO₂ and convert it into stable carbonates.
Terrestrial enhanced weathering (TEW) involves applying silicate or carbonate minerals to soils, which dissolve and react with CO₂ to form stable bicarbonate ions and carbonates, storing carbon for over 10,000 years with minimal leakage risk. Common minerals used include basalt and dunite, each with different environmental impacts and sequestration capacities. Basalt requires extensive mining and transport, potentially offsetting climate benefits, while dunite contains higher toxicity. Lime is also being researched for its potential in carbon removal. Economic and technological feasibility of TEW is expected post-2030 or 2050.
3. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)
BECCS combines biomass energy production with carbon capture and storage. Biomass, such as wood or agricultural residues, is burned for energy, and the resulting CO₂ is captured and stored underground.
Biomass with carbon capture and storage (BioCCS) converts CO₂ from biomass into energy, capturing and storing the emitted carbon in geological formations. The biomass sources can include forest/agricultural residues, wood pellets, and municipal waste, while conversion involves biological or thermochemical processes. Each BioCCS plant is unique, with specific feedstocks and CO₂ capture methods. Biomass is often “zero-rated” for carbon accounting, meaning captured biogenic CO₂ is considered a negative emission. This makes BioCCS a key player in achieving carbon dioxide removal (CDR).
4. Biochar
Biochar is produced by heating organic material in the absence of oxygen (pyrolysis).
This process converts biomass into a stable form of carbon that can be added to soil, improving its fertility and sequestering carbon for centuries.
5. Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS)
DACCS involves capturing CO₂ directly from the ambient air using chemical processes, and then storing it underground or utilizing it in products.
6. Soil Carbon Sequestration
Enhancing the ability of soils to capture and store CO₂ through practices like no-till farming, cover cropping, and the application of organic amendments.
This short clip, filmed during the NEGEM final event in Brussels, features insights from project partners on the key takeaways and achievements of NEGEM.
At Patagonia Land Conservation, we are committed to exploring and advocating for these innovative solutions. By integrating NETPs with our conservation efforts, we aim to make a significant impact on achieving climate neutrality. For more information, check out the NEGEM Project.
