Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) plays a significant role in achieving several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to climate action and sustainable energy.

Here's an analysis of CCUS's contributions to these goals:

CCUS and Climate Action (SDG 13)

CCUS is a critical technology for addressing climate change, directly supporting SDG 13 (Climate Action):

- Emissions Reduction: CCUS can capture up to 90% of CO2 emissions from power plants and industrial facilities, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions [7][9].

- Negative Emissions: Technologies like Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) can achieve negative emissions, actively removing CO2 from the atmosphere [9].  

- Transition Support: CCUS allows for a smoother transition to clean energy by enabling continued use of existing fossil fuel infrastructure while reducing emissions [6].

CCUS and Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7) 

CCUS contributes to SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) in several ways:

- Low-Carbon Electricity: CCUS-equipped power plants can provide low-carbon electricity, supporting the transition to cleaner energy systems [13].

- Hydrogen Production: CCUS facilitates the production of low-carbon hydrogen, which can be used as a clean energy carrier in various sectors [9].  

- Energy Security: By allowing for continued use of fossil fuels with reduced emissions, CCUS helps maintain energy security during the transition to renewable sources [10].

CCUS and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9)

CCUS also supports SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): 

- Industrial Decarbonization: CCUS is crucial for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate industries like cement, steel, and chemicals [6][9].  

- Innovation: The development and deployment of CCUS technologies drive innovation in the energy and industrial sectors [12]. 

CCUS and Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)

CCUS can contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities):

- Urban Air Quality: By reducing emissions from power plants and industrial facilities, CCUS can help improve air quality in urban areas [2].

Challenges and Considerations

While CCUS offers significant potential for achieving the SDGs, there are challenges to consider:

- Cost: CCUS technologies are currently expensive to implement, which could impact affordability of energy [7].

 
- Energy Intensity: CCUS processes require energy, which could potentially conflict with energy efficiency goals if not managed properly [7].  

- Environmental Concerns: There are potential risks associated with CO2 storage, such as leakage, which need to be carefully managed [2].

Future Prospects

The role of CCUS in achieving the SDGs is expected to grow:

- Increasing Deployment: The IEA's Sustainable Development Scenario projects a significant increase in CCUS deployment, capturing 840 Mt of CO2 annually by 2030 [9].

- Policy Support: Governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of CCUS in climate strategies, leading to more supportive policies and funding [12].

- Technological Advancements: Ongoing research and development are expected to improve CCUS efficiency and reduce costs, making it more viable for widespread adoption [12].

In conclusion, CCUS is a key technology for achieving multiple SDGs, particularly those related to climate action and sustainable energy. While challenges remain, the potential of CCUS to contribute to emissions reduction, clean energy production, and industrial decarbonization makes it an important tool in the global effort to create a sustainable future. As the technology advances and becomes more cost-effective, its role in achieving the SDGs is likely to become even more significant.