Greenhouse Gas Removal

Wedi cwblhau'r modiwl dylai'r myfyrwyr fedru:

1. Critically evaluate the role of GHG removal in climate change mitigation, considering key policy, economic, and market drivers.
2. Compare and assess different carbon removal approaches, including their effectiveness, scalability, and environmental trade-offs.
3. Explore the challenges of carbon accounting, ownership, and valuation, and their implications for policy and investment.
4. Critically appraise monitoring and evaluation strategies, considering the uncertainties and limitations in measuring GHG removal effectiveness.

This module explores greenhouse gas (GHG) removal, with a focus on land-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) strategies, their effectiveness, and their policy and economic contexts.

We begin with an introduction to GHG removal, outlining key policy drivers, economic incentives, and the necessity of carbon removal alongside emissions reduction. Next, we examine carbon accounting and valuation, exploring how carbon is measured, who gets to count it, and how markets and policies shape the viability of different removal methods.

The module then covers major CDR approaches, starting with Biomass Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS), a leading bio-based removal method. We also explore alternative uses of biomass while BECCS technology and markets develop. Biochar, peatland restoration, enhanced rock weathering with basalt, and afforestation are examined in terms of their benefits, risks, and scalability. We also address non-land-based, engineered solutions such as Direct Air Carbon Capture, discussing its potential and limitations.

Finally, we explore monitoring, evaluation, and modeling of CDR strategies. This includes assessing the effectiveness of different removal methods, challenges in measurement, and potential tools like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). We link this back to earlier discussions on carbon valuation and policy, considering how measurement uncertainties impact investment and implementation.

By the end of this module, students will have a critical understanding of GHG removal strategies, their feasibility, and the challenges in implementing and scaling these solutions in real-world contexts.

This module aims to raise awareness of the technological options for land-based approaches to removing greenhouse gasses from the atmosphere and to showcase IBERS research in this area. For completeness the module also touches on Direct Air Carbon Capture.

This module will cover the following content:
1. Intro – GHG removal / CDR (Carbon Dioxide Removal), policy and economic drivers
2. Who gets to count Carbon?
3. Biomass Energy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)
4. Alternative uses for Biomass while BECCS market & technology develops
5. Biochar: Pros and cons
6. Peatland
7. Basalt – Enhanced Rock Weathering – pros and cons
8. Afforestation
9. Direct Air Carbon Capture
10. Monitoring, Evaluation, Modelling

Mae'r modiwl hwn yn cydymffurfio a FfCChC Lefel 7