As the race to achieve net-zero emissions intensifies, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) has emerged as a critical technology in the global climate solution toolbox. While renewables like wind and solar take center stage in public discourse, CCUS offers a pragmatic pathway to address emissions from sectors where decarbonization is particularly challenging.
In this blog, we’ll explore how CCUS works, where it’s most impactful, the debates surrounding its adoption, and why a combined strategy—including carbon capture—is essential for a sustainable, net-zero future.
What is Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)?
Carbon capture refers to the process of trapping carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions at their source—usually industrial facilities or power plants—before they enter the atmosphere. The captured CO₂ can then either be:
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Stored underground in geological formations (permanent storage)
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Utilized in industrial processes, such as producing synthetic fuels or carbonated beverages
This process is collectively referred to as Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS).
Why CCUS Matters in the Net-Zero Transition
Achieving net-zero means reducing greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible, while offsetting any remaining emissions through removal technologies. CCUS plays a pivotal role, especially in:
1. Hard-to-Abate Industries
Sectors like cement, steel, chemicals, and aviation are particularly carbon-intensive and lack scalable low-emission alternatives. CCUS allows these industries to continue operating while significantly lowering their emissions.
2. Bridging the Energy Transition
While renewables are expanding rapidly, they can’t yet fully replace fossil fuels in the short term. Carbon capture enables us to reduce emissions from existing natural gas and coal operations, buying time as the energy grid transitions to cleaner sources.
Learn how businesses can integrate low-carbon solutions in our Sustainable Business Roadmap.
The Role of CCUS in Climate Strategy: What the Experts Say
According to the UK Climate Change Committee (CCC), a diversified technology approach—one that includes CCUS—is essential for the UK to meet its 2050 net-zero target. The CCC’s strategic pathway emphasizes that excluding CCUS would make achieving net-zero significantly more difficult and expensive.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) echoes this, stating in its Net Zero by 2050 Report that CCUS must account for nearly 15% of cumulative emissions reductions needed by mid-century.
Challenges and Controversies: Is CCUS Worth It?
Despite its promise, CCUS is not without critics. Common concerns include:
Cost and Economic Viability
Building and maintaining CCUS infrastructure is expensive, and skeptics argue that funding would be better spent on renewables and energy efficiency.
Technology Maturity
While some projects are operational, CCUS is still developing. Scaling it up to the required level involves overcoming significant technical and logistical hurdles.
Opportunity vs. Distraction
Some environmental advocates warn that CCUS could be used to justify continued fossil fuel use, delaying the necessary shift toward cleaner energy.
Still, many experts argue that we cannot afford to exclude any tool from our climate toolkit. When used responsibly and in conjunction with renewables, CCUS can deliver substantial, measurable emission reductions.
Explore SBS’s sustainability consulting services to learn how your organisation can assess the viability of carbon capture within your broader climate strategy.
Investing in the Future: CCUS and Innovation
Global investment in CCUS is growing, with projects like Norway’s Northern Lights and the U.S. Department of Energy’s CarbonSAFE initiative leading the way. Continued R&D, combined with supportive policy frameworks, will be vital in bringing costs down and making CCUS more widely accessible.
A Balanced Path to Net-Zero
Carbon capture is not a silver bullet—but neither is solar, wind, or hydrogen. Achieving net-zero will require a portfolio of solutions, including:
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Renewable energy expansion
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Electrification of transport and heating
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Nature-based solutions like reforestation
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And yes, CCUS
With thoughtful integration, carbon capture can be a powerful ally in the global sustainability effort—particularly when paired with policies and practices that accelerate the transition to a truly low-carbon economy.
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