PNNL

Technology is one of the most important determinants of the cost of stabilizing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The character of its role is both complex and evolving. The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential role of a suite of technologies that could have a profound impact on the cost of stabilizing the greenhouse gas concentrations. These technologies include those which capture and dispose of carbon in reservoirs permanently isolated from the atmosphere (CC&D), technologies that make and use hydrogen (H2), and advanced transportation technologies. While this paper will focus on the impact of this group of technologies, other energy technologies, not examined here, because of space limitations, such as biotechnology, renewables, nuclear power and energy efficiency also hold substantial potential for addressing climate change.