Advancing Our Climate Goals: The Role of Carbon Capture Technology
In the race to limit global warming, carbon capture technology plays a crucial role alongside clean energy and energy efficiency. It is not a silver bullet, but when deployed thoughtfully, it can remove CO2 from heavy industry, power plants, and even the atmosphere through direct air capture.
What is carbon capture technology?
Carbon capture technology refers to a set of methods designed to prevent carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere or to remove it after it is emitted. The core idea is simple: capture CO2 at the source or from ambient air, transport it securely, and store it long term. There are several capture paths, including post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and oxy-fuel combustion, as well as emerging direct air capture technologies for diffuse emissions.
How does it work?
Three linked steps make the process work: capture, transport, and storage or utilization. In post-combustion capture, CO2 is removed from exhaust gases using solvents or solid sorbents. Pre-combustion capture breaks fuel into hydrogen and CO2 before combustion, enabling easier separation. Oxy-fuel combustion creates a nearly pure CO2 stream that is straightforward to capture. Direct air capture uses fans and chemical scrubbing to pull CO2 out of ambient air, though energy requirements are higher for this diffuse source.
Where can it be applied?
Industry accounts for a large share of hard-to-decarbonize emissions, making CCS an appealing option for cement, steel, ammonia, and refining. Power generation, especially with fossil fuels, can also pair with carbon capture technology to reduce lifecycle emissions. Transporting captured CO2 to geological or mineral storage sites is a critical part of the chain, and in some regions, CO2 is re-used for enhanced oil recovery or other materials applications.
Benefits you can expect
- Large-scale emissions reductions in sectors with few alternatives today.
- Potential to repurpose existing plants, maintaining energy reliability while cutting CO2 output.
- Support for near-term climate targets while renewables expand and scale.
- Jobs and investment in regions rich in industrial activity.
Challenges and considerations
Despite the promise, CCS faces hurdles. The capital cost of capture units, energy penalties from running the process, and the need for reliable CO2 storage sites are common concerns. Public acceptance hinges on transparent risk assessments, long-term storage monitoring, and robust regulatory frameworks. Also, the economics depend on policy signals such as carbon pricing, subsidies, or mandates that make investments viable.
Economic and policy landscape
Economists emphasize total cost of ownership, including the price of CO2 avoided and the energy required to capture it. Companies increasingly evaluate carbon capture technology alongside other decarbonization options, balancing capex with opex, grid impact, and lifecycle emissions. Policy tools—carbon taxes, cap-and-trade programs, and performance standards—shape the speed and scale at which CCS can be deployed. In many countries, government-backed funding and clear permitting pathways reduce risk for lenders and developers.
Case studies and progress
Several projects demonstrate what is possible. The Sleipner project offshore Norway has stored millions of tonnes of CO2 in saline aquifers since the 1990s, proving long-term storage can work. In North America, efficiencies from post-combustion capture have been demonstrated at larger scales in continuing pilot plants, while direct air capture facilities in Europe and North America show how capture is expanding to diffuse sources. Each project provides lessons on siting, regulation, and community engagement that help accelerate future deployments.
Future directions
Researchers and engineers are pursuing lower-cost solvents, solid sorbents, and heat integration to reduce energy penalties. Hybrid systems that couple renewables, waste heat, and storage could improve overall efficiency. Industrial symmetry—sharing captured CO2 with chemical producers or using it for mineralization—offers additional value. As the field matures, standards for monitoring, verification, and reporting will give investors more confidence and help integrate CCS into national climate plans.
Conclusion
Carbon capture technology is not a stand-alone fix, but it remains among the most practical tools for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. When paired with clear policy signals, robust safety and monitoring regimes, and continued innovation, it can help close the emissions gap while the energy system transitions toward zero-carbon technologies. By investing thoughtfully in capture, transport, and storage, societies can align industrial activity with climate goals and preserve critical jobs and regional economies.
