Carbon Capture and the Physics: What ESG Tools Must Track
Introduction
As climate commitments escalate, carbon capture science is stepping into the limelight. But for effective carbon removal, understanding the physics of the capture isn’t optional, it’s essential. ESG software and carbon accounting tools must evolve to track precise, scientific emissions data, from carbon intensity to sequestration efficiency.
In this article, we break down the physics behind carbon sequestration and detail what ESG tools must monitor to ensure GHG tracking is both accurate and impactful.
What Is Carbon Capture?
Carbon capture refers to the process of removing CO₂ directly from the atmosphere or intercepting it from point sources like factories before it’s emitted.
The Physics Behind Carbon Capture
Carbon exists in multiple forms. solid, liquid, and gas. Most carbon capture efforts focus on gaseous CO₂. The capture process usually follows three phases:
- Capture: Separating CO₂ from other gases using solvents or membranes.
- Compression: Compressing CO₂ for transport and storage.
- Sequestration: Injecting CO₂ deep underground or transforming it chemically.
Why Carbon Capture ESG Tools Must Understand the Physics
Most ESG reporting platforms treat CO₂ like a number, X tons emitted, Y tons captured. But the capture is a physical and chemical process governed by laws of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and material science.
Without capturing this depth:
- ESG platforms risk misreporting removal efficiency
- Carbon removal metrics remain unreliable
- GHG reports become non-compliant or greenwashed
ALSO READ: Product Managers: Master Carbon Accounting with These Proven Engagement Strategies
Types of Carbon Capture Technologies
1. Pre-Combustion Capture
Removes carbon before fossil fuels are burned. Mostly used in coal gasification.
2. Post-Combustion Capture
Captures carbon after combustion, typically from exhaust gases in power plants.
3. Direct Air Capture (DAC)
Pulls CO₂ directly from ambient air using chemical sorbents.
4. Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS)
Captures emissions from biomass energy processes.
Metrics ESG Tools Must Track
To align with carbon capture science, ESG software must integrate physics-informed KPIs like:
1. Carbon Removal Efficiency (CRE%)
Definition: % of CO₂ removed vs. what was emitted.
Why it matters: Measures technical effectiveness of a project.
2. Energy Intensity per Ton of CO₂
Measured in: kWh/ton CO₂
Capturing and compressing CO₂ is energy-intensive. This metric tracks the sustainability of the capture process itself.
3. Carbon Intensity of Captured Gas
Is the CO₂ pure or mixed with other gases? Purity affects compression cost and sequestration safety.
4. Leakage Rate
CO₂ may escape pipelines or underground reservoirs. ESG tools must model long-term containment probabilities.
Scientific Emissions Data: Bridging Theory and Practice
Traditional ESG tools rely on static emission factors. But that requires dynamic data like:
- Sensor-driven CO₂ concentration readings
- Temperature and pressure logs during capture
- Real-time flow rate of captured gases
This enables predictive insights and real-time optimization, especially in high-stakes carbon markets.
Carbon Sequestration: From Capture to Storage
Storing captured CO₂ is just as scientific as capturing it.
Geological Storage
Injecting CO₂ into:
- Saline aquifers
- Depleted oil/gas fields
- Basalt rock formations
Physics at play:
- Permeability: Can gas move through the rock?
- Caprock integrity: Will it leak upward?
- Thermodynamic stability: Will CO₂ stay liquid or become mineralized?
Role of Carbon Intensity Tools
Carbon intensity tools provide a bridge between physics and ESG accountability by:
- Calculating CO₂ per unit energy or product
- Integrating Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)
- Tracking Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions with real-time updates
Tools like these help investors understand the true environmental cost of operations, especially when the capture mechanism is in play.
Integrating Carbon Physics into ESG Software Architecture
To properly reflect the science, climate software tech must evolve to include:
1. Modular Physics Engines
Simulate fluid flow, thermodynamics, and energy exchange.
2. IoT Sensor Integration
Enable real-time data capture for GHG tracking accuracy.
3. Automated Carbon Accounting Algorithms
Use ML and AI to classify, quantify, and forecast emissions.
Real-World Example: Carbon Clean’s ESG-Compatible Tech Stack
Carbon Clean uses a combination of:
- Modular scrubbers for carbon absorption
- ML-driven dashboards for real-time removal metrics
- Integration with major ESG platforms for reporting
Their system exemplifies how carbon physics + AI = accurate ESG compliance.
FAQs
What is carbon intensity and why does it matter?
It measures CO₂ emissions per unit of output, helping stakeholders gauge sustainability per product or process.
How accurate are current ESG tools in tracking carbon capture?
Most tools are behind the curve unless they integrate real-time physics data and sensor inputs.
Can captured carbon be reused?
Yes, in applications like carbonated beverages, cement production, and synthetic fuels.
Table: Carbon Capture Methods vs. ESG Tracking Complexity
| Capture Type | Energy Use | Sensor Data Needed | ESG Complexity |
| Pre-Combustion | Medium | Low | Low |
| Post-Combustion | High | Medium | Medium |
| DAC | Very High | High | High |
| BECCS | Variable | High | High |
Final Thoughts: The Future of Scientific Carbon Accounting
The days of reporting CO₂ as a single number are over. As carbon markets, compliance laws, and stakeholder pressure grow, ESG tools must embrace the physics of carbon capture. This means integrating real-world data, scientific rigor, and advanced software design, not just ticking reporting boxes.
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