Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): Bridging the Gap to a Net-Zero Future

Carbon Capture: Powering Net-Zero with Innovation and Industrial Transformation

From steel plants to shipping lanes, CCUS is quietly reshaping our climate future—one captured molecule at a time.

As the world accelerates its fight against climate change, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) is emerging as a critical lever in the global push toward net-zero emissions. For carbon-intensive sectors like cement, steel, and maritime shipping, where direct electrification remains challenging, CCUS presents a pragmatic pathway to deeply reduce emissions without compromising industrial productivity. This article delves into the evolution and promise of CCUS technologies, their real-world deployments, and the technical, economic, and societal challenges that must be addressed to realize their full climate potential.

The CCUS Process: From Capture to Sequestration

CCUS operates through three interconnected stages: capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, transporting them, and either utilizing the gas industrially or storing it permanently.

1. Capturing CO₂: The First Critical Step

The first stage in CCUS—capturing carbon dioxide—is arguably the most critical, as it determines the overall efficiency and viability of the entire process. The most commonly used method is chemical absorption, where solvents like amines absorb CO₂ from industrial flue gases. This technique is particularly effective in retrofitting existing fossil-fuel-based infrastructure, such as coal-fired power plants. Canada’s Boundary Dam Power Station is a leading example, where chemical absorption captures more than 90% of CO₂ emissions from coal combustion, proving that older facilities can still contribute to climate solutions.

However, newer technologies are emerging to reduce energy costs and improve capture efficiency. Membrane separation is becoming more popular in industries like cement and steel, where traditional solvent systems may be impractical. These membranes act like molecular sieves, filtering CO₂ without the need for heat. Other promising methods, such as calcium looping, use abundant materials like limestone to absorb CO₂ during combustion and then release it for storage. These advances help reduce the so-called “energy penalty” of carbon capture, making it more appealing for widespread adoption across diverse sectors.

2. Transporting CO₂: Pipelines, Ships, and Beyond

Once CO₂ is captured, it needs to be transported to locations where it can either be stored permanently or utilized industrially. For large-scale operations, pipeline networks are the most cost-effective and efficient solution. Norway’s Northern Lights Project exemplifies this approach, using a 1,300-kilometer subsea pipeline system to channel 1.5 million tons of CO₂ annually into deep geological formations beneath the North Sea. These pipelines are typically buried underground or laid under the seabed, ensuring secure and long-term movement of carbon with minimal environmental disruption.

In regions where pipelines are not feasible, maritime and overland transport are emerging as practical alternatives. Japan’s Kawasaki Heavy Industries is leading the development of liquefied CO₂ carriers—specialized ships designed to move compressed CO₂ to offshore or distant storage sites. Smaller-scale initiatives, such as transporting CO₂ by rail or truck, are also gaining traction, especially for pilot programs like carbon-cured concrete manufacturing in Texas. These alternative methods offer flexibility for distributed or remote facilities, making carbon transport viable even outside of pipeline hubs.

3. Storing or Utilizing CO₂: Closing the Carbon Loop

The final phase in the CCUS process involves either permanently storing the captured CO₂ or putting it to productive use. Geological sequestration—injecting CO₂ into deep underground formations—is considered the most secure and scalable method. Depleted oil and gas reservoirs, as well as deep saline aquifers, provide stable conditions for long-term storage. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, these formations could hold over 10,000 billion tons of CO₂—offering enough capacity to absorb emissions for centuries if scaled globally.

On the utilization front, CCUS is sparking remarkable innovation. Rather than treating CO₂ as waste, industries are turning it into a resource. Companies like LanzaTech are using industrial emissions to create ethanol-based jet fuel, while firms like CarbonCure inject CO₂ into concrete to both sequester the gas and strengthen the material. CO₂ is also being used to grow crops in greenhouses, produce polymers, and even synthesize diamonds. These applications not only reduce emissions but also create valuable products, showcasing the economic potential of turning pollution into profit. Utilization brings CCUS into the realm of circular economy—where sustainability and industry go hand in hand.

Real-World Impact: CCUS in Action

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is no longer a theoretical concept—it is being deployed on the ground, at sea, and in industrial facilities around the world. One of the most ambitious undertakings is Norway’s Northern Lights Project, part of the national Longship initiative. Designed to transport and permanently store CO₂ in deep geological formations beneath the North Sea, the project is slated to become operational in 2024. It will initially store emissions from industrial sites across Europe and aims to expand to a capacity of 5 million tons per year by 2026. Northern Lights is not just a technical achievement—it is a milestone in international climate cooperation, demonstrating how cross-border infrastructure can enable regional decarbonization at scale.

Across the Atlantic, Canada’s Boundary Dam Power Station in Saskatchewan has served as a global proof of concept for retrofitting fossil fuel infrastructure with CCUS. Since becoming the first commercial-scale coal plant with CCUS in 2014, it has captured over 4 million tons of CO₂. This accomplishment offers hope for coal-reliant economies seeking a bridge to cleaner energy futures without immediately shutting down existing facilities. It also highlights the value of long-term data and operational experience in refining capture technologies and reducing costs over time.

CCUS innovation is also thriving in less traditional settings. In Finland’s paper and pulp industry, and in California’s wastewater treatment sector, companies are using alkaline mineralization to bind CO₂ with basic compounds, forming bicarbonate—a safe and stable byproduct. This technique not only removes carbon but generates useful end products for use in pharmaceuticals, food, and agriculture. By turning emissions into marketable materials, these industries are blending sustainability with profitability, showing that CCUS can support both climate goals and economic growth.

Such projects underscore the growing maturity and adaptability of CCUS technologies. Far from being limited to oil, gas, or power plants, CCUS is finding relevance in paper production, waste management, and even building materials. For example, companies like CarbonCure are injecting captured CO₂ into concrete, strengthening the material while reducing cement usage—a win-win for the environment and construction sector alike. These evolving use cases signal that CCUS is not a one-size-fits-all solution but a flexible toolset that can be tailored to various industries and regions.

Together, these real-world deployments make it clear: CCUS is carving out a vital role in the global climate toolkit. As countries accelerate decarbonization, the combination of capture, reuse, and storage technologies offers a pathway for industries that cannot yet fully electrify or transition to renewables. With continued investment, innovation, and international cooperation, CCUS is well on its way to becoming a pillar of sustainable industrial transformation.

Breakthroughs Driving the CCUS Revolution

The carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) field is undergoing a technological renaissance, with breakthroughs emerging across capture, materials science, and intelligent automation. At the forefront is Direct Air Capture (DAC)—a revolutionary technology designed to pull carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere, rather than from industrial sources. While the captured concentrations are lower, DAC offers the promise of negative emissions. Leading the charge are companies like Climeworks and Carbon Engineering, which have demonstrated early success in scaling this concept. Climeworks’ Orca plant in Iceland, powered by geothermal energy, has already removed 4,000 tons of CO₂ annually, with its next-generation facility, Mammoth, aiming to increase that figure to 36,000 tons by 2024. As global carbon levels climb, DAC stands out as a vital tool in reversing atmospheric emissions—not just offsetting them.

In parallel, materials science is unlocking faster, cheaper, and more efficient capture methods. One of the most promising developments comes from MIT, where scientists have engineered Covalent Organic Frameworks (COFs)—a class of ultra-porous materials capable of capturing carbon dioxide at record speeds. Unlike traditional solvents, COFs bind and release CO₂ using far less energy, making them ideal for high-temperature environments like cement kilns or steel foundries. Their crystalline structure can be tuned at the molecular level, enabling selective carbon capture that can be fine-tuned for specific applications. These materials could reduce both the size and energy footprint of capture systems, making carbon removal more feasible in hard-to-abate sectors.

Alongside advancements in hardware and chemistry, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are streamlining how CCUS systems operate and respond to changing conditions. Startups like Carbon Clean are integrating machine learning algorithms into their capture systems to optimize the performance of chemical solvents in real time. These intelligent systems can dynamically adjust temperature, pressure, and solvent concentration to maximize capture efficiency—reducing operational costs by up to 50%. This marks a significant shift away from static capture plants to adaptive, self-optimizing systems that can respond to real-world conditions with speed and precision.

AI is also playing a crucial role in monitoring and managing underground storage sites, which must safely contain CO₂ for centuries. Traditional methods rely on manual inspection and periodic sensor data, but AI-driven systems can continuously assess risk by analyzing thousands of data points—from seismic readings to pressure changes—detecting early signs of leakage with 95% accuracy. This predictive capability not only enhances safety but builds public trust in carbon storage as a long-term climate solution. Real-time monitoring also helps regulators and operators meet stringent compliance standards, increasing the scalability of storage operations worldwide.

Moreover, the convergence of AI and materials innovation is spawning a new generation of “smart” capture systems. These include programmable materials that alter their properties in response to temperature or chemical exposure, and self-healing membranes that repair minor damage without disrupting function. These intelligent systems are designed not just to function efficiently, but to endure the harsh industrial conditions where CCUS is most needed. As these technologies mature, they will allow carbon capture systems to be installed in more locations, with less downtime and maintenance, improving both reliability and return on investment.

Collectively, these breakthroughs are transforming CCUS from a high-cost, niche intervention into a viable, scalable solution for global emissions reduction. By integrating cutting-edge materials, automation, and AI into every layer of the system—from air capture to underground monitoring—CCUS is becoming more efficient, affordable, and intelligent. These innovations are essential to accelerating adoption across industries and geographies, bringing the goal of a net-zero future within reach.

Charting the Course: DNV’s Vision for Maritime Carbon Capture

With the maritime sector accounting for approximately 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the carbon footprint of shipping is critical for meeting international climate targets. DNV’s 2023 whitepaper presents onboard carbon capture (OCC) as a transformative solution. This emerging technology allows vessels to trap emissions at sea before they ever enter the atmosphere, positioning OCC as a near-term alternative to slow fleet turnover or costly fuel transitions.

Technologically, OCC is rapidly proving its potential. DNV’s analysis shows that retrofitting existing vessels with compact scrubbers and amine-based solvent systems could capture 30–50% of carbon emissions. These systems are being designed to operate efficiently even within the spatial and operational constraints of a ship. Importantly, OCC enables older vessels to significantly reduce their emissions without the need to fully replace engines or fuel systems—offering a practical path forward for decarbonizing the global shipping fleet.

On the economic front, OCC is becoming increasingly competitive. With projected operational costs between $150–$200 per ton of CO₂ captured, the technology is on par with or even cheaper than some alternative fuel pathways when combined with carbon credit schemes or regulatory incentives. This economic viability could accelerate adoption, particularly for companies seeking flexible and scalable solutions that align with evolving emissions mandates.

Regulatory clarity, however, remains a bottleneck. DNV calls on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to expedite the development of safety protocols, handling standards, and port-side infrastructure for CO₂ offloading. Pioneers like Maersk and Mitsubishi are already leading the way, experimenting with OCC systems aboard methanol-fueled ships. Captured CO₂ from these vessels may either be permanently stored in offshore geological reservoirs or converted into synthetic fuels like methane, supporting a closed-loop maritime energy ecosystem. Together, these advancements signal a promising horizon for carbon capture at sea—if global policy and industry coordination can keep pace.

Overcoming the Hurdles: Costs, Public Trust, and the Road to Scale

While carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are advancing rapidly, they still face significant challenges that must be addressed for wide-scale deployment. Chief among them is cost. Capturing carbon dioxide can range from $50 to $100 per ton, depending on the technology and source. However, financial incentives are helping to close the gap—U.S. tax credits now offer up to $85 per ton for stored CO₂, and European Union grants are increasingly supporting large-scale projects.

Another key challenge is the high energy demand of capture systems, especially those based on chemical solvents. These methods can consume 15–30% of a power plant’s output, reducing overall efficiency. However, emerging solutions like electric solvent regeneration and low-temperature sorbents are showing promise in slashing energy penalties by nearly half, potentially transforming CCUS into a more sustainable, energy-efficient option.

Public trust remains a fragile piece of the puzzle. Skepticism about the safety of underground storage—particularly fears of CO₂ leaks—continues to influence public perception and policy. Yet projects like CarbFix in Iceland are helping shift the narrative. By injecting CO₂ into volcanic rock and turning it into solid carbonate minerals within just two years, CarbFix demonstrates a secure, transparent model for permanent carbon storage. These real-world examples are critical to earning public confidence and driving global adoption.

Ultimately, the path forward for CCUS depends not just on technological breakthroughs, but also on clear regulation, long-term financing, and international collaboration to scale solutions that are safe, efficient, and equitable

The Road Ahead: Policy, Innovation, and Global Collaboration

The future of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is gaining momentum, with the market projected to exceed $50 billion by 2030. This growth is propelled by a convergence of bold policy moves, technological innovation, and a drive toward global climate equity. Landmark legislation like the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act offers robust incentives—up to $85 per ton for stored CO₂—while the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is creating market pressures for carbon-intensive industries to clean up their supply chains.

Technological synergies are also transforming CCUS from a niche add-on into a core component of industrial decarbonization. By coupling carbon capture with green hydrogen production and renewable energy, entire industrial clusters—from cement and steel to refining and chemicals—can move toward net-zero emissions. These integrated ecosystems can minimize energy losses and maximize the utility of captured carbon, making CCUS not just feasible but economically attractive.

At the same time, CCUS is becoming a tool for climate justice and global inclusivity. Countries like India and Kenya are demonstrating how carbon credits can support nature-based solutions, such as biochar production and agroforestry projects, creating local jobs while sequestering carbon. These initiatives expand the reach of CCUS beyond industrialized nations, fostering a more balanced global approach to climate mitigation.

As innovation accelerates and international frameworks evolve, CCUS is poised to play a critical role in a decarbonized world, bridging the gap between ambition and action. The next phase will require not just technology and capital—but also political will and cross-border collaboration to scale impact where it matters most.

Conclusion: CCUS as a Catalyst for Climate Resilience

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) has evolved from a fringe idea to a pillar of industrial decarbonization. It is now transforming hard-to-abate sectors—turning CO₂ into construction materials, revolutionizing emissions in maritime transport, and stabilizing global climate strategies. No longer confined to experimental labs or niche pilots, CCUS is becoming a scalable, pragmatic solution for achieving net-zero.

As costs decline and supportive policies gain traction, CCUS is positioning itself as a foundational technology in the global climate arsenal. It offers a unique pathway to address emissions that cannot be eliminated by electrification or renewables alone. Whether enabling circular economies through carbon reuse or offering lifelines to legacy infrastructure, CCUS is proving that even the most persistent emissions can be tackled through innovation, investment, and cross-sector collaboration.

The journey to a sustainable future is steep and uncertain. But with CCUS, we’re not just navigating the climb—we’re building the ladder.