Carbon Capture: The Cornerstone of a Net-zero Future

CCUS software offers a wide range of features and functionalities for simulation and digitalization, including analysis and validation of carbon capture processes such as absorption, membrane filtrations, fluidized beds and chemical looping.

At Dassault Systèmes, the virtual twin technology within our CCS software can create a virtual replica of a physical asset, connected with sensors mounted on the asset, consuming live data, feeding into a previously built simulated model, and mirroring the real-world experience of that equipment. This enables real-time visualization of the output of the carbon storage simulation, showing results of pressure buildup and gas saturation.

Carbon capture is considered valuable in the fight against climate change and the transition to a low-carbon economy. Its importance in today's global energy sector cannot be overstated. By capturing carbon dioxide emissions from various sources such as power plants, factories and even directly from the atmosphere, carbon capture technologies help reduce the concentration of greenhouse gases, especially in hard-to-abate industrial sectors where emissions are difficult to eliminate through other means.

For the global energy industry, CCUS offers a practical solution toward achieving net zero and it helps ensure a more sustainable energy supply. Examples of successfully implemented CCUS projects extend beyond traditional oil and gas applications and into emerging sectors such as offshore wind energy and nuclear energy.

In the offshore wind energy sector, CCUS can capture emissions generated from manufacturing and construction processes, while in nuclear energy, it can capture emissions from ancillary processes such as the use of fossil fuels for backup power generation or heating purposes. Dassault Systèmes' virtual twin technology on the 3DEXPERIENCE platform facilitates the design and optimization of carbon capture systems by enabling virtual modeling and simulation of carbon capture processes, ensuring efficient and effective implementation of CCUS projects across different sectors.

Carbon sequestration, facilitated by carbon capture technology, including direct air capture, is the process of capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere or from industrial sources. This involves utilizing advanced carbon capture pipelines to transport the captured CO₂ to long-term storage sites such as underground geological formations, ocean depths or biomass repositories.

This process, known as geo-sequestration, entails injecting CO₂ deep underground into suitable geological formations such as saline aquifers, depleted oil and gas reservoirs, or unmineable coal seams, where it can be securely stored for long periods during the injection phase of commercial operation.

Dassault Systèmes, alongside other carbon capture companies, is advancing these carbon capture systems and CCS technologies, aiming to scale carbon capture, reduce the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere and successfully transition to a net-zero economy.

The benefits of implementing CCUS can vary depending on the project's specific goals. However, aside from the evident reduction in carbon footprint through CO₂ removal and storage, common advantages include cost savings. This may include reduced operational costs, lower compliance expenses with emissions regulations and savings from carbon credits or incentives for carbon capture and storage. In addition, clients will observe improved process efficiency and resource utilization after CCS implementation. These changes can be measured through metrics such as energy efficiency improvements, optimized production processes and reduced waste generation.