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151-0928-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-USYS , D-ARCH , D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-GESS , D-MATL , D-ITET

CO2 Capture and Storage and the Industry of Carbon-Based Resources

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Nicolas Gruber, Prof. Dr. Tobias Schmidt, Dr. Mischa Repmann, Dr. Daniel Sutter, Prof. Dr. André Bardow, Dr. Viola Becattini

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:22

Abstract

This course introduces the fundamentals of carbon capture, utilization, and storage and related interdependencies between technosphere, ecosphere, and sociosphere. Topics covered: origin, production, processing, and economics of carbon-based resources; climate change in science & policies; CC(U)S systems; CO2 transport & storage; life-cycle assessment; net-zero emissions; CO2 removal options.

Objective

The lecture aims to introduce carbon dioxide capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) systems, the technical solutions developed so far, and current research questions. This is done in the context of the origin, production, processing, and economics of carbon-based resources and of climate change issues. After this course, students are familiar with relevant technical and non-technical issues related to using carbon resources, climate change, and CCUS as a mitigation measure. The class will be structured in 2 hours of lecture and one hour of exercises/discussion.

Content

The transition to a net-zero society is associated with major challenges in all sectors, including energy, transportation, and industry. In the IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5 °C, rapid emission reduction and negative emission technologies are crucial to limiting global warming to below 1.5 °C. Therefore, this course illuminates carbon capture, utilization, and storage as a potential set of technologies for emission mitigation and for generating negative emissions.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Lecture slides and supplementary documents will be available online.

Literature

IPCC Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C, 2018. http://www.ipcc.ch/report/sr15/ IPCC AR6 Climate Change 2023: Synthesis Report, 2023. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/syr/ IPCC AR6 Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change, 2022. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/sixth-assessment-report-working-group-3/ Global Status of CCS 2020. Published by the Global CCS Institute, 2020. Link

General Information

Language: English
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 120 minutes
Aids: non-programmable calculator.

The final grade is based on a written examination of 120 minutes, which takes place during the examination session. Additionally, an optional project (learning task) will be offered during the semester. It requires the student to understand and apply the lecture material. It may contribute 0.25 grade points to the final grade, but only if it helps improving the final grade.

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture with exercise	CO2 Capture and Storage and the Industry of Carbon-Based Resources	Mon 10:15-13:00 (NO C 60)	3 h weekly

Offered In

Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2022)
  - Focus Specialization
    - Sustainable Energy and Processes (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Mark Tibbitt In order to achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Sustainable Energy and Processes you need to pass at least 2 core courses (W+) and at least 2 of the elective courses, according to the presentation of the Focus Specialization. If needed, an additional course from the D-MAVT course offerings (151-…) at the 3rd-year Bachelor level can be selected.)
Mechanical Engineering Master
- Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
Process Engineering Master
- Core Courses
Materials Science Master
- Elective Courses (The students are free to choose individually from the entire course offer of ETH Zürich on the Master level. Please consult the study administration in case of questions.)
Environmental Sciences Master
- Minors
  - Minor in Sustainable Energy Use
Energy Science and Technology Master
- Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
  - Energy Flows and Processes
Physics Master
- Electives
  - General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
Integrated Building Systems Master
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  - Specialised Courses
Science, Technology, and Policy Master
- Minor in Natural Sciences and Engineering
  - Energy and Mobility
  - Resources and Environment