Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) is a technology to decarbonize industrial emissions, which account for more than 50% of all greenhouse gas (GHG) releases. After capturing CO₂ emissions either at the source or from the air through CCUS technologies, the captured emissions can then be transported and stored deep underground or converted into marketable industrial and commercial products.
The current global emission of CO₂ is increasing at such an alarming rate that even with aggressive decarbonization, billions of tons of CO₂ will remain. Without CCUS, emissions from industrial processes and existing infrastructure would lock in global warming beyond 1.5°C.
Where We Stand Today
According to the latest update to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) CCUS Project Database, just over 50 million tonnes (Mt) of CO₂ capture and storage capacity are currently in operation worldwide. This represents only about 0.1% of total annual global emissions.
The near-term target is to reach 430 Mt of CO₂ captured per year by 2030. Achieving net zero emissions by 2050, however, will require global CO₂ capture capacity to scale up to approximately 5.9 gigatonnes (Gt), according to IEA estimates.
With the available technologies, nearly all the emissions reductions required by 2030 under the Net Zero Emissions by 2050 scenario can be achieved. However, reaching full net zero will demand faster innovation and widespread deployment. Despite this, current deployment trends mainly face challenges in hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry and long-distance transport.
Available and Technologies in the Pipeline
Developers worldwide are advancing CCUS projects, including the construction of several first-of-a-kind facilities.
Current CCUS Technologies Include:
- Post-combustion capture using amines (chemical solvents)
- Physical solvents and membranes
- Oxy-fuel combustion
- CO₂ transport via pipelines or liquefaction
- Adsorption-based systems
CO₂ Utilization Pathways:
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)
- Concrete curing and mineralization
- Conversion of CO₂ into chemicals such as methanol and urea
Long-Term Storage Options:
- Depleted oil and gas fields
- Deep saline aquifers
Technologies at Pilot or Demonstration Stages:
- Direct Air Capture (DAC)
- Chemical and calcium looping
- Advanced adsorbents such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs)
- Electrochemical capture and conversion
- CO₂-to-synthetic fuels (including Sustainable Aviation Fuel)
- Ocean-based approaches
How the World Is Coming Together
Globally, CCUS deployment is led by North America and Europe, with accelerating momentum in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
United States
The United States represents the largest CCUS market, driven by strong policy incentives such as the 45Q federal tax credit. The country has huge potential in capturing emissions from power, ethanol, hydrogen, and DAC projects, supported by a rich pipeline and geological storage infrastructure.
Canada
Canada’s major focus lies on industrial CCUS hubs for oil sands, cement, and blue hydrogen.
Europe
Europe emphasizes cluster-based CCUS models, such as North Sea projects that link emitters in the UK, Norway, the Netherlands, and Denmark to shared offshore storage. CO₂-to-fuels and industrial decarbonization are also being emphasized.
China, Japan, and South Korea
China is rapidly scaling CCUS pilots across coal power, chemicals, steel, and other hard-to-abate industries. CO₂ utilization pathways are promoted by China, Japan, and South Korea.
Middle East
In the Middle East, CCUS is being integrated with hydrogen production and industrial clusters in countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
Australia
Australia is advancing geological storage and LNG-linked CCUS projects.
India
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has rolled out various initiatives to facilitate R&D and innovation leading to the development of safe and cost-effective CCUS technologies. DST has also joined forces with France, Germany, Greece, Norway, Romania, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States to achieve these goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the primary purpose of CCUS technology?
CCUS is designed to decarbonize hard-to-abate industrial sectors by capturing CO₂ at the source or from the air to be stored or utilized.
How much global CO₂ is currently captured by operational CCUS projects?
Currently, just over 50 million tonnes (Mt) of CO₂ are captured annually, representing approximately 0.1% of total global emissions.
What is the difference between CO₂ storage and utilization?
Storage involves injecting CO₂ deep underground for permanent sequestration, while utilization converts it into marketable products such as methanol, urea, or cured concrete.
Which sectors find it most difficult to reduce emissions without CCUS?
Hard-to-abate heavy industries such as cement, steel, chemicals, and refining rely on CCUS to mitigate process-related emissions.
How is the Indian government supporting the development of CCUS?
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) facilitates R&D and international collaborations to develop safe, cost-effective CCUS technologies for India.
