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Greenhouse gases (GHGs) are gas phase components of the atmosphere that contribute
to the greenhouse gas effect. Carbon Dioxide is of interest because it contributes
80% of total GHG emissions in the United States. CO2 in the atmosphere is
generated from natural and anthropogenic (man-made) sources. Man-made sources
of CO2 are primarily from the burning of fossil fuels for power generation and transportation.
Emissions of CO2 have increased to 33 billion tons from an insignificant amount
two centuries ago.
While conservation and improvements in energy efficiency are important steps in
reducing emissions, they will not reduce emissions enough to stabilize GHG concentrations,
especially while energy demands continue to increase. In addition to emission reduction,
technologies must be developed to capture and remove CO2 from the atmosphere without
negatively affecting economic growth. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) systems
are thought to have great potential in meeting this need and efforts are underway
via government and commercial channels to advance CCS development. Carbon
dioxide has a strong affinity for coal (20 times greater than in a conventional
gas reservoir), so direct sequestration in coalbeds is considered a very viable
solution.
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