BAKU, Azerbaijan, March 24. Central Asia has
potential to pilot Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
in the oil, gas, and metallurgical sectors, particularly in
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Trend reports via the Eurasian Development Bank
(EDB).
The bank noted that CO₂ could be injected into depleted
reservoirs, providing a dual effect of carbon storage and enhanced
oil recovery.
EDB emphasized that carbon capture and storage occupies a
distinct place in the new energy paradigm. While the technology is
not directly related to energy decentralization, it is crucial for
offsetting emissions in sectors where full electrification is
impossible or delayed. Under IRENA’s 1.5°C scenario, about 7
billion tonnes of CO₂ will need to be removed annually by 2050,
accounting for up to 19% of total required emissions
reductions.
According to the EDB, the primary applications of carbon capture
and storage include the modernization of existing coal and
gas-fired power plants, as well as industrial sectors such as
cement, steel, and chemical production, where process emissions are
difficult to eliminate by other means. However, CCS remains an
expensive technology. The average cost of capturing one tonne of
CO₂ is $50–100 under conventional facilities, and even higher under
complex conditions. Without high carbon taxes, subsidies, or
contracts for difference, CCS deployment in business remains
unlikely.
The bank noted that regional priorities continue to focus on
renewable energy development and improving energy efficiency, while
CCS may be considered as a backup option within a balanced energy
transition strategy.
